Vroegop backs walkout: “Patients must not suffer from the financial game”

ORANJESTAD — Horacio Oduber Hospital (HOH) director Jacco Vroegop supports the two-hour walkout staged by hospital workers on Wednesday morning. Speaking to Noticiacla, he said employees’ concerns are justified as the hospital remains uncertain about its funding and faces the possibility of renewed cash-flow problems in December. “I understand the walkout and I support them,” Vroegop said. “The staff are absolutely right. Patients must not become victims of the game being played with the finances.” According to Vroegop, the advance received last week was essential to meet payment obligations and maintain sufficient supplies to provide care over the coming weeks. However, he stressed that the payment remains an advance, while the hospital is seeking settlement for care already delivered.

The director said the hospital has provided more care, particularly acute services, including surgery and dialysis, which cannot be refused. Meanwhile, costs have risen because of more expensive products, exchange-rate differences, border charges and larger buildings. He said those increases have not been adequately incorporated into reimbursement rates.

December funding and staff bonuses at risk

Vroegop said AZV intends to resume deductions to recover advances in December. If that happens, he estimates the hospital will retain barely enough money to pay salaries, leaving little room for other operating expenses.

The uncertainty also affects the potential payment of employees’ year-end performance bonus. Vroegop said the payment depends on the organisation’s financial health and cannot currently be guaranteed. “That is hard on people, because they are making an enormous effort,” he said.

The director stressed that retaining staff is essential, given Aruba’s limited pool of healthcare professionals and the increasing difficulty of recruiting workers from abroad.

Accusation of delay

Vroegop said the hospital has long sought agreements with AZV on the volume, price and quality of care, referring to Article 39 of the AZV ordinance. He alleged that AZV refuses to make those agreements and that the health minister will not use Article 2a to issue a directive. He criticised the decision to commission further investigations, saying they consume time and money while the problem continues. “It is a well-known delaying tactic which, in this case, comes at the expense of the population and our healthcare workers,” Vroegop said.

He also rejected criticism suggesting that the hospital has mismanaged funds or made poor decisions. According to Vroegop, the hospital has supplied extensive financial information, commissioned an external cost comparison and is audited by an independent accountant. He added that an investigation by Deloitte, requested by AZV, identified a greater funding need than the hospital had initially estimated.

Supply shortages and restricted services

According to Vroegop, some products occasionally run out, patients face longer waits and not all care capacity has reopened. Uncertainty over December’s income prevents the hospital from confidently expanding services.

He expressed gratitude for payments that have eased immediate pressure, but stressed that advances subject to later recovery do not provide a lasting solution. “We are fighting for an organisation that provides care to the population of Aruba,” he said, noting that the hospital must also prepare for healthcare demand from tourists during the high season.

Vroegop called on the minister and AZV to take responsibility and provide clarity. “As a hospital, we are disappointed that this is taking so long and that we still have no certainty.”