WILLEMSTAD — "That national residents may establish themselves in the Antilles as physicians since September 1st of this year as the moratorium has been partially removed, does not frustrate the efforts to control the costs in the healthcare sector. Countless control instruments have been implemented or will shortly be implemented in this sector" says Minister Omayra Leeflang (National Public Health, PAR).
The Minister realizes that the moratorium was established at that time to keep the costs of the national healthcare within limits. The belief was that if more medical professionals would continue to be active locally, there would also be more costs: the growing number would encourage the consumption. It now appears from public comments – such as also mentioned on the opinion page of this newspaper – that adding certain specialists could have an increased welfare and life-lengthening effect on the local population. Meanwhile, certainly five cost-controlling measures have been implemented so that a moratorium for national residents is no longer the main cost-cutting instrument, according to Leeflang. "Firstly, there is the Law on Healthcare institutions, which makes sure that medical institutions are not simply established without a permit of the relevant Board of Governors", the Minister of Public Healthcare announces.
A second cost-controlling measurement says Leeflang, is the Professional Code in the Healthcare (BIG-Law), which arranges for the registration of medical professionals and determines the quality demands for the sector. This BIG-Law obligates those working in the medical sector to follow refresher courses in order to remain officially registered. One example of the quality control function of this law is also, that those who are ‘only’ a Doctor of Medicine are no longer permitted to work as a family doctor: that’s why the required specialization becomes a necessary demand.
GVS and SVB
Medicines and means could kite the care costs. The Medicine Compensation System (GVS) – which became effective past Saturday – strives for affordability and continuity in this sector without quality loss.
The inclusion of the over-60 senior citizens with the Social Insurance Bank (SVB) is the fourth control instrument.
Leeflang has recently calculated that, in any case, this books a saving of 3 million guilders per year, as these senior citizens will receive continuous care, which by definition costs less than providing (emergency) care to uninsured citizens. Moreover, these over-60 senior citizens will contribute by paying premiums – even though this premium is a lot less than the cost of a private insurance.
Medicines and means could kite the care costs. The Medicine Compensation System (GVS) – which became effective past Saturday – strives for affordability and continuity in this sector without quality loss.The inclusion of the over-60 senior citizens with the Social Insurance Bank (SVB) is the fourth control instrument.Leeflang has recently calculated that, in any case, this books a saving of 3 million guilders per year, as these senior citizens will receive continuous care, which by definition costs less than providing (emergency) care to uninsured citizens. Moreover, these over-60 senior citizens will contribute by paying premiums – even though this premium is a lot less than the cost of a private insurance.
Prevention
In conclusion, Minister Leeflang points to the (money-saving) value of prevention, which has become the spearhead of the care sector. "In 2008, we started introducing this policy through the ‘Antilles on the move’. This year, we have given it a holistic character and therefore a broadened perception field in view of the Wellness Day. In addition, the Board of Governors of Curaçao is in harmony with the successful action ‘Kòrsou ban move’ (Curaçao on the move). Implementation of all of these policy points will stimulate the cost control and quality increase of the medical costs and a moratorium against national residents in the local medical world is no longer necessary", Leeflang concludes.
Courtesy of www.amigoe.com