The launch of the Aruba Patient Center (Centro Pashent di Aruba) received strong backing from the country’s health leadership. During the event, the Minister in charge of Public Health, Mervin Wyatt-Ras, emphasized that patients must have an active role and a strong voice in the care they receive, reaffirming that this initiative is a fundamental step toward strengthening the healthcare system in Aruba.
Accessible care and respect for patient rights
The Minister highlighted that healthcare in Aruba must remain guaranteed and accessible to all citizens, with patient rights being safeguarded at all times.
“I have always believed that patients have rights and that naturally, when receiving care, you have a say in that care. Our healthcare in Aruba must be accessible to everyone, and we ourselves must guarantee it,” declared the Minister of Public Health.
The Minister also mentioned the importance of proper guidance and referrals when a patient requires attention from an appropriate specialist, as well as the need for clear channels to channel complaints or concerns. Although Aruba has official bodies such as the Public Health Inspection of Aruba (IVA), the uniting of patients themselves in an organization is viewed as a valuable complement to address their own rights.
The Minister praised the composition of the board and the team behind the Aruba Patient Center, highlighting that it consists of a mix of professionals, media personnel, and representation across different age groups:
- Jaburtt Dijkhoff
- Melva Croes-Yanes
- Nurianne Arias
- Xiomara Everon (recognized in the media field)
- Ivo Valdez
- Anselmo Pontilius
Government as a partner in dialogue
As head of the health portfolio, the Minister confirmed that the Government of Aruba views the Aruba Patient Center as a key partner in ongoing discussions and dialogue with all partners in the healthcare sector.
“As a government and minister responsible for public health, we are a partner in the discussions and dialogue with various healthcare organizations, and naturally also with an advisory platform such as this one. Congratulations and much success with the work,” the minister concluded.
