During a recent exchange of idea between different key actor in the health and tourism sector, presented a series of proposition focused on strengthen public finances, improve institutional collection and establish a stricter supervision in the protection of sanitary resource of the island.
Among the most relevant points, made a call to address directly financial challenges that are generated by emergency medical care of tourists, Immigration control and responsibility of the highest hospital command, according to parliamentarian Gino Goeloe.
Implementation of a ‘Health Fee’ for Tourist
One of the most highlighted propositions to relieve the financial burden of the health system is the introduction of a fee or special health contribution for visitors that enter Aruba, a model that already is applied in other regional tourist destinations (like Dominican Republic).
Creation of a Special Fund: Income generated by this fee will go directly for a fund dedicated to cover hospital expenses when visitors without valid travel insurance need emergency care.
Migration Control and Illegal Entry: Pointed out that non-recoverable expenses are affected also by the entry of persons with illegal status via the airport or small boats. Emphasized that, parallel to the special fund, must strengthen the improvement of border control.
Greater Supervision and Control in Hospital Management
Another crucial point that was debated is the need of making changes in hospital management more constructive and transparent. Sublined that efforts of government and current direction must translate into visible and structured improvements for the institution and patients.
Key Role of Supervisory Board (Raad van Toezicht): Emphasized the responsibility of Supervisory Board to exercise a stricter and continuous control over Management Board (Raad van Bestuur).
Accountability: The proposition stipulates that Supervisory Board must hold both directors both the one in charge with medical part as the one in charge with financial part under more control and demand that they render account in a transparent way to guarantee good functioning of hospital.
These dialogues are necessary and highlight the need for concrete actions that balance tourist growth with sustainability of health infrastructure in Aruba. The combination of a financial mechanism for tourists and a stricter hospital collection represents an essential step to protect public resources and elevate quality of medical service in the country