The role and authority of the Healthcare Inspection of Aruba (IVA) must be respected and maintained to guarantee the highest standard of care for the people of Aruba. This was emphasized by the chairman of the parliamentary health committee, marking the position that the IVA, as an independent institute, has both the right and the legal duty to intervene in any care institution when there are indications of irregularities.
The example of this autonomy covers all entities within the sector, from care homes for the elderly to larger institutions such as the Hospital and ImSan.
Independent Supervision and Immediate Action Inspectors are the bulwark of supervision and must be able to act without any hindrance when signals of concern reach their door. In the past, IVA interventions have proven to be effective and necessary to protect the well-being of patients, even leading to the temporary closure of care homes that did not comply with required rules and quality standards; this must also apply to the Hospital.
This process stipulates that when there are established grounds (“gronden”), the IVA’s duty is to enter, investigate, conduct the necessary studies and research, and take the measures prescribed by law. Maintaining this independence is the only way to ensure that the healthcare system remains transparent, safe, and trustworthy for the entire community.
Regarding parliamentary work, health committee chairman Gino Goeloe reiterates his commitment to listen to and work together with all stakeholders in the field as necessary. Over the past year, more than 10 health foundations and organizations have appeared before the committee to share their expertise, concerns, and the challenges they face daily.
Alongside these presentations, the committee continues to conduct work visits (werkbezoeken) to observe the reality on the ground. The door of Parliament remains fully open to all foundations, professionals, and entities wishing to present their concerns, with the goal of seeking joint solutions and seeing how the legislative branch can help improve the healthcare system in Aruba.