Minister of Public Health Social Development & Labor, Cornelius De Weever on Monday March 24, 2014 in the presence of Prime Minister Sarah Wescot-Williams signed the instruction to Social Health & Sickness Insurances (USZV) to facilitate the financing of the renovations and expansion of the St. Maarten Medical Center (SMMC).
"This instruction was circulated to the committee, representing USZV, APS, SMMC and government, for their comments last week and as result signed today. I would like to thank all parties for their input in moving forward in realizing the renovations and expansion of the SMMC," said Minister De Weever.
Minister De Weever further stated, "I am looking forward to the committee signing the MOU, which further outlines the necessary steps to be taken. In the interest of the people of St. Maarten first and foremost as well as our sister and neighboring islands." "We cannot look at the expansion one dimensionally."
This instruction that Minister De Weever signed is required by law based on article 3 of the National Ordinance USZV. The national ordinance is under the responsibility of the Minister of Public Health Social Development & Labor. The instruction states that it is of crucial interest that the St. Maarten Medical Center is renovated and expanded for the interest of the population in the very near future.
The instruction also further states that the SMMC has to improve the quality of care and work together with the Inspectorate of Health on this. In addition, besides the recruitment of medical specialist a Quality Manager needs to be hired. Considering that the renovations and expansion of the SMMC it is expected that better cost savings can take place in the health sector.
It is considered that part of the funds managed by USZV should be invested locally. Where it concerns the funds of USZV no restrictions on the financing structure will be imposed.
The supervisory board and other representatives of SZV in the aforementioned commission, by this instruction have been assured that the government is not going to introduce any investment limitation measures by National Decree.
In photo: (l-r) Prime Minister Sarah Wescot-Williams; Minister of Public Health Social Development & Labor, Cornelius De Weever and consultant Hubert Lopez.