Recently, the Standing Committee on Health of the Parliament of Aruba paid a working visit to the Horacio Oduber Hospital (HOH). During the visit, the parliamentarians received a detailed update on the hospital’s recent developments and its vision for the future.
The people of Aruba — and patients from the BES islands — can observe the hospital’s significant growth over recent years, with expanded services and a continuously improving quality of care.
Jacco Vroegop, Chairman of the HOH Board of Directors, briefed the committee on the hospital’s current status, its short- and long-term goals, and the ongoing needs associated with traditional operations and innovation.
He referred to technological advancements such as robotic surgery and artificial intelligence (AI), as well as to social developments affecting the healthcare sector — including the situation of undocumented individuals undergoing legalization processes.
Challenges and opportunities
The discussions covered key issues such as the aging population and the challenges of attracting and retaining medical and non-medical personnel in a financially demanding environment.
“We also talked about the hospital’s construction projects, which are undergoing many changes and come with their own challenges,” Vroegop added.
Commitment to continued improvement
The Chairman expressed pride in the hospital’s accomplishments to date, stating:
“In the coming weeks and months, we will continue working toward an even better hospital.”
He highlighted ongoing projects such as Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT), the new future location of the Dialysis Clinic, and the new Endoscopy Room equipped with state-of-the-art technology.
He also mentioned plans to open a Rehabilitation Center, which will play a vital role in improving recovery and quality of life for patients — including stroke survivors and accident victims.
Ongoing cooperation with Parliament
Gregory Croeze, member of the HOH Board of Directors, described the meeting as highly engaging and productive.
The committee asked several relevant questions regarding the rehabilitation center and the upcoming dialysis project.
Croeze expressed satisfaction with the parliamentarians’ genuine interest and proposed that such meetings continue regularly, ensuring a consistent exchange of information and ideas between Parliament and HOH.
Tour and future collaboration
The parliamentarians also participated in a guided tour of the hospital, allowing them to gain a closer look at its daily operations and its importance for Aruba’s healthcare system. They also had the opportunity to interact directly with hospital staff.
Finally, the HOH Board of Directors extended its gratitude to the members of Parliament for their time and interest in the hospital and expressed hope for continued cooperation to further enhance the quality of healthcare on Aruba.
Press Release: Horacio Oduber Hospital (HOH)
