Last Thursday evening, together with invited guests and partners from the healthcare sector in Aruba, Colombia, and the family of the AZV Executive Body (OE AZV), Prime Minister Mike Eman, Minister Mervin Wyatt-Ras, and the director of OE AZV unveiled a special logo. During 2026, OE AZV will use this logo in relation to the 25th anniversary of the AZV insurance.
On January 1, 2001, the Government of Aruba introduced AZV insurance, a universal coverage health insurance. In 2026, AZV insurance celebrates its 25th anniversary, and OE AZV did not want to let this moment pass without highlighting it.
As the first event related to the 25th anniversary, a special evening was organized. This was the occasion for unveiling the anniversary logo, which will only be used during 2026.
Presentation by the AZV Director
The evening began with the director of AZV reviewing the three main reasons that led to the introduction of AZV. In his presentation, the director concluded that all partners in the healthcare sector can be satisfied with the joint efforts over the 25 years of AZV. In this way, it can be said that Aruba is very close to providing accessible, high-quality, affordable, and effective care for everyone.
He also emphasized that this is a process that requires continuous evaluation and attention to the set goals.
Minister of Health
Next, the Minister responsible for public health, Dr. Mervin Wyatt-Ras, emphasized the importance of AZV insurance for the community. He expressed immense gratitude to the entire medical sector and the OE AZV team, highlighting the importance of each member within the healthcare chain. Minister Wyatt-Ras assured attendees of his commitment, together with Aruba, to continue striving for sustainable AZV insurance that continues to serve the public.
At the same time, he concluded by informing that his ministry is currently deliberating on ways to pay extra attention to prevention and rehabilitation.
Presentation by the Prime Minister
The final speaker of the evening was Prime Minister Mike Eman, who reflected on the moments of tension and resistance during the introduction of AZV. He recalled the actions of that time—both from the healthcare sector and insurance companies—that attempted to create panic and doubt in the community.
During the final stages of introducing AZV, Prime Minister Eman acknowledged the work of the then Minister of Health, Dr. Ike Posner, as well as the rigorous guidance of the then Prime Minister, Mr. Henny Eman. He explained that Prime Minister Henny Eman had met every two weeks with all government stakeholders to monitor and ensure that the AZV implementation process was moving in the right direction.
In this context, Drs. Anco Ringeling, then director of AZV, was instrumental in the process and acted as the right-hand and support of Prime Minister Henny Eman. Prime Minister Eman emphasized that AZV was and remains important for continuity of management.
He surprised the attendees with the announcement that the Government of Aruba decided to entrust OE AZV with executing the long-term care law, which is scheduled to be introduced in 2027. This news was very well received by the present healthcare stakeholders.
Recognition and Appreciation
A special moment occurred when Prime Minister Eman and Minister Wyatt-Ras presented Drs. Anco Ringeling (former director) with a special recognition for his long and tireless career at AZV.
Before closing the evening, OE AZV also expressed appreciation and presented gifts to other former directors present, including Drs. Ru Croes, Mr. Alwin Lin, and Mr. Ruben Goedhoop.
Finally, the 25-year anniversary logo was unveiled. In the coming days, OE AZV will inform the community of the 2026 calendar of events organized to commemorate this memorable milestone. OE AZV celebrates, honors, and thanks all its insured members.