The Special Committee on Sustainable Development Goals of the Parliament of Aruba, chaired
by Ruthlyn Victoria Lindor, addressed today the urgent situation surrounding the growing
shortage of midwives in Aruba and the financial sustainability of prenatal, childbirth and postnatal
care.
The central concern is continuity of care.
Aruba has gone from 8 midwives to 4 today. Based on the information presented, by September
2027 that number could fall to only 3 midwives serving the entire island.
“We should not wait until the system reaches a critical point, or until something happens, before
we act. Responsible leadership means identifying risk before it becomes a crisis,” Lindor stated.
The issue received broad attention in Parliament and is one that transcends political differences.
The health and safety of mothers, unborn babies, newborns and the sustainability of the
midwifery profession are a shared responsibility.
The matter is directly connected to Sustainable Development Goal 3, Good Health and Well-
being, SDG 5, Gender Equality, and SDG 8, Decent Work and Economic Growth.
The Minister responsible for Public Health, drs. Melvin Wyatt Ras has already responded
positively to the concerns raised and has shown willingness to continue working toward a
sustainable solution.
On October 5, the Chair of the Special Committee on Sustainable Development Goals, Ruthlyn
Lindor, requested a meeting with AZV to further discuss the financial, contractual and
organizational aspects of this matter. We hope that this meeting can take place in the coming
week, with full respect for the responsibilities and expertise of each institution. Thereafter, the
dialogue will continue with the Minister of Public Health and the Association of Midwives, with the
aim of moving closer to a concrete and sustainable solution.
One possible direction that merits consideration is a model inspired by the Huisartsen Onder Eén
Dak principle, in which knowledge, capacity, infrastructure and certain operational costs can be
shared while each professional retains their own professional responsibility.
Lindor also emphasized that the discussion cannot be limited to cost alone.
“Prenatal care is prevention. Detecting risks early can help prevent complications, suffering and
higher healthcare costs later. The question is not only what care costs us today, but also what the
absence of adequate care may cost us tomorrow.”
The position of the midwives themselves is equally important. Several studied abroad, returned to
Aruba and chose to serve their country. At a time when Aruba frequently speaks about brain
drain, professionals who return represent brain gain that should be valued and retained.
“Respect for our healthcare professionals is not only about saying thank you. Respect also
means creating dignified conditions, stability, fair remuneration and the opportunity to build a
sustainable life while caring for others.”
The purpose of this process is not to point fingers or create confrontation between institutions.
The purpose is action.
The purpose is prevention.
The purpose is a solution that protects mothers, children, healthcare professionals and continuity
of care for the whole of Aruba.
“Some issues are bigger than politics. Continuity of care for mothers and children is one of them.
The Parliament of Aruba is united around this responsibility, and we want to act before the
problem becomes a crisis.”