Aruba hospital receives Afl. 15 million from AZV but warns of renewed financial crisis in December

ORANJESTAD — Horacio Oduber Hospital (HOH) has received a partial payment of Afl. 15 million from health insurer AZV for medical services provided in 2025. While the payment offers temporary financial relief, the hospital warns that its underlying funding problems remain unresolved.

According to HOH, the payment is compensation for care already delivered, not an increase in its annual budget. The funds will allow the hospital to meet its financial obligations for several weeks without imposing additional restrictions on scheduled surgeries or treatments.

However, HOH is concerned that AZV intends to begin deducting previously issued advances from regular payments in December, potentially creating another significant financial shortfall and threatening continuity of care.

The hospital clarified that the Afl. 31 million described by AZV as additional advances is actually part of its existing budget. Preliminary findings from an external investigation commissioned by AZV suggest that hospital funding has not adequately reflected actual healthcare costs, including inflation and increasing demand for services.

HOH continues discussions with AZV and the Aruban government to secure a long-term solution. Agreements on funding, service volumes and quality of care for 2027 also remain outstanding.

The hospital warns that without structural financial arrangements, restrictions on medical services could become necessary in December.