HOH director Jacco Vroegop says the institution cannot continue carrying an HOH operating deficit as essential costs rise faster than available funding.
Hospital says annual increase trails costs
Vroegop told 24ora that HOH’s annual lump-sum payment from AZV rises by about 2%, which he said does not cover actual inflation, population growth and increased demand. He cited higher costs for medicine, supplies, electricity, fuel, air travel and freight.
Director supports specialists’ warning
Vroegop said he supports the urgent letter sent by Aruba’s medical specialists, as well as concerns raised by union ABV and the supervisory board. He said the priorities are retaining staff, paying appropriate salaries, maintaining working conditions and treating patients on waiting lists.
ABV reports closures and laboratory delays
ABV president Gina Maduro told Diario that one operating room and one endoscopy room have been closed, with a decision to keep them closed until November. She also reported delays in some laboratory results because certain chemical supplies were not being purchased. Maduro estimated a deficit of about Afl. 800,000 every two weeks, or Afl. 1.6 million per month; those figures remain attributed to the union.
ICU capacity and uninsured care add pressure
The director said intensive care was not in immediate danger but was operating near its facility and staffing limits, with the unit full on some nights. He called for a special fund to cover care for uninsured people and tourists. The proposal has not been adopted, and funding decisions remain with the responsible authorities.
Sources: 24ora, Diario on hospital finances and Diario on ABV’s proposed interim response.
