SABA/ST. EUSTATIUS–Insured persons from Bonaire, Saba and St. Eustatius who are referred abroad for medical treatment or consultation will not travel to or via Venezuela, Caribbean Netherlands Health Insurance Office ZVK announced Thursday.
The measure was taken due to the closing of the borders between Venezuela and Bonaire, Aruba and Curaçao.
Most medical referrals from Bonaire go to Curaçao, Aruba and Colombia. Insured persons from Saba and Statia are usually sent to St. Maarten/St. Martin, Guadeloupe and Colombia. A small percentage of insured persons are referred to the Netherlands for medical treatment, ZVK stated.
“ZVK-insured persons do not have to worry about the situation that has arisen between the neighbouring country [Venezuela – Ed.] and the islands, but because ZVK is still not allowed to book flights at Insel Air, the situation remains worrisome for the time being. Also, because flights from Winair between Curaçao and St. Maarten have been cancelled, and the start of CN-Express has been postponed,” ZVK said in a statement.
ZVK said the situation concerning services regarding air connections is still precarious. “Air travel for insured persons must be as convenient and efficient as possible. In order to achieve this, the ZVK must regularly make special provisions.”
The health insurer said meanwhile agreements have been made with Aruba Airlines for transport between Bonaire, Aruba and Curaçao. Agreements have also been made with the Colombian medical air carrier SARPA for transport of insured passengers to the various destinations in Colombia.
“Reliable, fair and accessible care are values that the ZVK stands for. The ZVK remains committed to these values for everyone who is entitled to care,” ZVK said.
Source: The Daily Herald https://www.thedailyherald.sx/islands/72678-zvk-makes-provisions-for-transport-of-patients-by-air
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