Horacio Oduber Hospital director Jacco Vroegop says Aruba hospital funding talks have continued since February without producing a concrete solution as October approaches.
Hospital says demand and costs have outpaced funding
Vroegop told NoticiaCla that demand for care has increased for years while available funding has not kept pace. He said the hospital temporarily covered part of the gap with other income, even though that money was intended for innovation, modernization and improvements for patients and staff.
The director said international costs have risen quickly and that the rates paid for hospital care no longer reflect the actual cost of providing it. Without additional funding, he warned, the hospital may be unable to maintain every current service, potentially leading to longer waits for planned or elective care.
Political delegations hear the hospital’s position
According to Vroegop, delegations from AVP and MEP visited the hospital, asked questions and heard its explanation of the financial pressure. He said the parties recognized that the issue has no simple solution and involves shared responsibility.
Vroegop said the hospital did not invite the delegations; the parties requested the visits. He welcomed what he described as an effort to hear multiple sides of the issue.
Talks have continued since February
The director said discussions have been underway since February but had not produced a concrete funding solution by mid-September. He also pointed to AZV’s responsibility to purchase adequate care for insured residents. His comments represent the hospital’s account of the dispute; funding decisions remain with the responsible authorities.
Source: NoticiaCla.
