WILLEMSTAD – Earlier this month, the client council of the Curaçao Medical Center (CMC) held a conference where they made an urgent plea for the introduction of legislation granting patients greater say in their medical treatment.
Sandra La Croes-Virginia, a member of the council, emphasized the importance of this law to improve the quality of care and give patients a central role in their treatment process. In the Netherlands, participation in healthcare institutions is legally established, something that La Croes-Virginia and her team aim to see in Curaçao as well.
“We are currently the only organization on the island with a client council. It is essential that patients have a say in their care, that their voices are heard, and that they are listened to,” she stressed.
Content of the Proposed Law
Regarding the content of the proposed law, La Croes-Virginia indicated that they want to look at Dutch legislation as a starting point, with adjustments to meet local needs.
“In the Netherlands, you have the right to information and participation in policy. We want to introduce a similar law here but also take into account the specific needs and circumstances of Curaçao,” she explained.
Role of the Patient
A key aspect of the proposed law is increasing the role of the patient in their treatment process. “Here on the island, there is still a strong ‘doctor decides’ culture,” said La Croes-Virginia.
“We want patients to feel more empowered and actively involved in decisions about their treatment. They have the right to know what is happening and to give their opinion.”
Challenges in Implementation
La Croes-Virginia acknowledged that there are challenges in implementing such a law. “One of the biggest challenges is changing the mentality, both among patients and healthcare providers.”
“Patients need to become aware of their rights and feel comfortable expressing their opinions without fear of repercussions.”
Community Reactions
When asked about the community’s response so far, La Croes-Virginia noted mixed reactions. According to her, part of the population is already very outspoken and eager to share their opinions, but there are also people who are more reserved.
“We want to reach everyone and hear their thoughts on this initiative.”
Improving Care Quality
La Croes-Virginia hopes to see an improvement in healthcare in Curaçao in the future. “If this law is implemented, we expect an improvement in the quality of care. Patients will receive more information and can actively participate in their care process.”
She believes this will lead to healthcare providers taking more responsibility and fostering a dialogue between providers and patients. “Ultimately, we aim for a healthcare system that meets international standards and places the patient’s voice at the center.”
Bron; Curacao Chronicle