BEST, THE NETHERLANDS — The Honorable Prime Minister Dr. Luc Mercelina continued his working mission in the Netherlands with a visit to Philips Healthcare in Best on October 22, exploring how medical innovation, artificial intelligence and remote specialist support could strengthen healthcare in Sint Maarten.
The Prime Minister and his delegation were received and hosted by Mr. Léon Kempeneers, CEO of Philips Benelux, and his team, including Jan-Willem Scheijgrond, Vice President, Global Government & Public Affairs, and Jesse Schilperijn, Manager, Global Government & Public Affairs.
The visit followed an initial meeting between Minister of Public Health, Social Development and Labor (VSA) Claret Connor and Philips representatives during his attendance at the 81st United Nations General Assembly in New York last month.
“This visit builds on the engagement initiated by Minister Connor and his delegation while in New York and demonstrates the importance of continuity and coordination within Government. Advancing healthcare requires us to work across ministries, share knowledge and follow through on opportunities together. We cannot deliver effectively if we operate in silos,” Prime Minister Dr. Mercelina stated.
Presentations introduced the delegation to advances in medical imaging, AI-assisted technology and connected patient monitoring. They also explored how remote clinical support and monitoring beyond hospital walls could help healthcare professionals maintain continuity of care.
“Conventional medicine has served us well and remains essential, but we must continue strengthening it through innovation. Artificial intelligence can contribute to greater efficiency, support our healthcare professionals and help them devote more attention to patient care,” the Prime Minister said.
Among the developments highlighted during the visit was the prospect of certain MRI examinations being completed in approximately five minutes, depending on the examination and technology used. Mercelina described shorter examination times as an example of how innovation could make a meaningful difference to patients.
“The possibility of certain MRI examinations taking just five minutes and radiology diagnostics being AI-supported gives us an indication of where healthcare is heading. That is the kind of efficiency and priority in patient care that I want for my people in Sint Maarten,” he said.
Reflecting on the relevance of the visit to Sint Maarten’s new hospital, Mercelina emphasized that physical infrastructure must be accompanied by the technology and expertise needed to deliver modern care.
“We cannot build a new hospital without incorporating the modernization and innovation our people need. For a small island like Sint Maarten, that also means exploring how technology can connect our medical teams with specialized doctors and clinical support remotely,” he stated.
“A new hospital must strengthen what we can do for patients. Its value will be measured by the quality, accessibility and reliability of the care people receive.”
The Prime Minister highlighted the potential of remote consultations and clinical collaboration to support local healthcare professionals and bring specialist expertise closer to patients. He stressed that new technology must be assessed with healthcare institutions and professionals, considering training, maintenance, digital infrastructure, patient privacy and long-term affordability.
The Prime Minister was accompanied by Minister Plenipotentiary Gracita Arrindell and Chief of Staff Stuart Johnson.
The Philips Healthcare visit complemented earlier healthcare engagements during the Netherlands mission, including discussions on healthcare cooperation and mental healthcare capacity.
“Behind every examination is a person waiting for answers. Behind every referral is a patient and a family seeking reassurance. Those realities must guide our work, across ministries and with our healthcare partners, as we pursue better care for the people of Sint Maarten,” Prime Minister Dr. Mercelina concluded.
