Minister Brug Submits SZV Cost Containment Plan to CFT; Welcomes Collaborative Approach with CFT and the Ministry of Finance

The Minister of Public Health, Social Development and Labor (VSA), Mr. Richinel S.J. Brug, has formally submitted the SZV Cost Containment and Financial Sustainability Plan to the Committee for Financial Supervision (CFT). The submission follows a set of constructive meetings held early this year and recently during which both the Cabinet of the Minister of VSA and the Cabinet of the Honorable Minister of Finance were present.

In October, Minister Brug issued a formal instruction to Management of SZV to develop a comprehensive cost containment proposal. The purpose of this instruction was to urgently identify and implement concrete measures to reduce healthcare expenditures while safeguarding the quality and accessibility of care for the people of Sint Maarten.

The completed plan was reviewed by the Ministry and formally submitted to CFT so they can review the calculations, assess the assumptions, and provide their technical perspective on the accuracy and feasibility of the proposed measures. This step ensures transparency and strengthens the collaborative approach now being taken between VSA, Finance, SZV, and CFT.

Minister Brug noted that both the tone and approach of the recent meetings with CFT reflected a more supportive and future-oriented engagement, made stronger, by the active participation of the Cabinet of the Minister of Finance and SZV. This joint approach represents a clearer alignment between oversight, finance, and social sectors when addressing major national challenges.

Minister Brug stated:

“I instructed SZV in October to prepare this plan because urgent action is needed to control rising healthcare costs while maintaining high-quality care. I am grateful that we were able to present this plan to CFT together with the Cabinet of the Minister of Finance. This meeting showed a new way of working—one based on openness, cooperation, and shared responsibility. I welcome CFT’s constructive approach and look forward to continuing this partnership as we work toward a sustainable healthcare system for Sint Maarten.”

The SZV Cost Containment and Financial Sustainability Plan includes targeted actions in the areas of operational efficiency, administrative improvements, healthcare referral management, compliance enforcement, fraud reduction, and increased focus on preventive health strategies. These measures are aimed at stabilizing the national insurance funds and strengthening long-term financial resilience.

Minister Brug emphasized that the collaboration between VSA, Finance, SZV, and CFT signals a significant shift toward coordinated policy implementation aimed at protecting both the country’s finances and the well-being of its citizens.

Further updates to the public and the house of Parliament will follow as discussions progress and implementation steps are defined.​