St. Maarten patients in Colombia remain safe as SZV works to secure return flights

GREAT BAY--St. Maarten patients receiving medical care in Colombia remain safe and continue to receive treatment following the earthquake that affected parts of the country earlier this week, Minister of Public Health, Social Development and Labor Claret Connor said Friday.

Healthcare services have largely returned to normal, while appointments that were cancelled immediately after the earthquake are being rescheduled. At the same time, approximately five to ten patients who have completed or are nearing completion of their treatment are awaiting flights home.
The Ministry of VSA, working closely with Social & Health Insurances, SZV, and its international offices, has continued to follow the situation since its initial update on August 10. The Ministry said the situation in Colombia has continued to stabilize and medical institutions are largely operating normally.

“I am pleased to report that our patients remain safe and continue to receive the medical care they require,” Connor said. “I extend my sincere appreciation to SZV, our international partners, the medical institutions in Colombia, and all healthcare professionals involved for their continued dedication and commitment to the wellbeing of Sint Maarten patients during this challenging period.”

A number of medical appointments were cancelled in the immediate aftermath of the earthquake, but healthcare providers are now working to reschedule them. Most involve outsourced medical services, while alternative arrangements are also being explored to reduce disruption and maintain continuity of care.

Patients approaching the end of their treatment are being prioritized for medical assessments and discharge so they can return to St. Maarten. The Ministry said approximately five to ten patients, excluding their companions, are currently waiting to travel home.

The main difficulty is no longer access to medical care, but securing airline seats.

According to the Ministry, return-flight availability to St. Maarten is extremely limited. This is believed to be connected to the busy summer travel period combined with disruptions following the earthquake.

SZV and its international offices are working with healthcare providers, airlines and travel partners to obtain the earliest available flights and minimize delays for returning patients.

“Although transportation challenges remain, I want to assure the public that patient safety, continuity of medical care, and the timely return of our patients remain our highest priorities,” Connor said.

The Minister said government will continue working alongside SZV to ensure patients receive the medical and logistical support they require until they are safely back home.

VSA will continue monitoring developments in Colombia and will provide additional updates if there are significant changes affecting St. Maarten patients.

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