By Stanley Bodok
Recent developments surrounding the availability of ophthalmic care, issues with the new hospital, and the ongoing flu outbreak have heightened public awareness of health and healthcare concerns. I have frequently heard complaints from my acquaintances about the accessibility of general practitioners and the quality of care. Some of these complaints are deeply concerning, even alarming.
A strong, independent inspection body is crucial for both citizens and healthcare providers. Healthcare professionals and institutions value providing ethical and high-quality care to others. They benefit from having misconduct by other providers, which harms patients and erodes trust in healthcare, being exposed.
The website of the Health Inspection lists the many laws relevant to citizens’ health. Given the complexity of the matter, it is essential for citizens to rely on a website from the Inspectorate that provides answers to their numerous questions and doubts. The website should inform the public about the effectiveness of the inspection, the promotion of responsible healthcare, and the handling of complaints.
The latest updates on the Curaçao Health Inspection website date back to 2019, six years ago. None of the previously mentioned issues are addressed, nor is there any indication of how these matters are being tackled. The website only sporadically reports on cases handled by the disciplinary board.
I used the email address listed on the website to pose questions. My repeated requests, including phone calls, for even an acknowledgment of receipt, have gone unanswered. This unavailability and lack of transparency from the Inspectorate align with the complaints I have received.
The Inspector-General for Health holds a strong and independent position. Given the state of the website, it appears that the Inspectorate is failing the public precisely when its support is most needed. If the Health Inspection does not properly carry out its duties, this could have serious consequences for the health and well-being of the population.
On February 20, 2025, a local newspaper published an article about the suspension of a Curaçao surgeon. The timeline of the process indicates that it concerns a relatively old case. The patient’s original complaint dates back to 2014, and the decision from the Medical Disciplinary Board was made on May 14, 2020.
I hope the affected patient has been able to experience the recent appeal verdict. The appellate decision may suggest that many cases remain uncovered. It is important for citizens to continue voicing their concerns and apply pressure on the authorities to improve the situation.
Citizens can, among other things, request an update to the website and encourage an open dialogue between the Inspectorate and the public on matters that urgently require effective oversight. They can also express their opinions through the press and social media. It is a social and moral duty to contribute to the maintenance of our vital institutions.
~ Stanley Bodok is a Curaçao citizen, graduate of the British College of Journalism, and freelance writer and journalist with a special focus on governance and healthcare. After completing his studies in business administration and healthcare management, he worked for over 30 years in the government and healthcare sectors of Curaçao. He has also supported various Curaçao civil organizations as a volunteer. ~
