Health Care Law at Saba (Netherlands)
Saba, a special municipality of the Netherlands in the Caribbean, has a healthcare system governed by Dutch national laws, adapted to the local context. Here's an overview of the healthcare framework on Saba: (History | sabacares.org)
🏛️ Legal Framework and Governance
Saba's healthcare system operates under the Wet zorginstellingen BES (Healthcare Institutions Act BES), effective since October 10, 2010. This law integrates Saba, along with Bonaire and Sint Eustatius, into the Dutch public health system. Healthcare responsibilities, including financing and regulation, are managed by the Dutch Ministry of Health, Welfare, and Sport (VWS) . (History | sabacares.org)
🏥 Healthcare Providers
The primary healthcare provider on Saba is Saba Cares, established in 2021 through the merger of the Saba Health Care Foundation and the Benevolent Foundation Saba. Saba Cares operates the A.M. Edwards Medical Center, offering services such as: (History | sabacares.org)
24/7 emergency care
General practitioner (GP) clinic
Laboratory services
Home healthcare
Assisted living facilities (Welcome to Saba Cares | Health Care on Saba in the Caribbean Netherlands, Saba (island))
Additionally, Saba Cares manages medical essential transportation for insured residents, facilitating access to care facilities and home services . (Saba Cares Foundation provides medical essential transportation for ZJCN insured citizens starting January 1st 2023 – KIKO TA PASANDO)
🩺 Health Insurance and Access
Residents of Saba are insured under the Dutch Zorgverzekeringswet (ZVW), the Health Insurance Act, which provides basic health insurance coverage. In 2024, the introduction of a healthcare card began, serving as proof of insurance for emergency medical care abroad. This card simplifies access to urgent medical treatments outside the Caribbean Netherlands and can also be used at local pharmacies and laboratories . (Residents of Saba will receive their health care card first | News item | Rijksdienst Caribisch Nederland, Saba Prepares for Rollout of Healthcare Card – Saba News)
🌍 Public Health Initiatives
The Public Health Department of Saba focuses on: (Public Health | Public Entity Saba)
Promoting healthy lifestyles
Reducing non-communicable diseases
Enhancing mental health awareness
Preventing and managing infectious diseases
Implementing vaccination programs (About Public Health | Public Entity Saba, Infectious Diseases | Public Entity Saba)
These efforts aim to create an environment where healthy choices are accessible and supported by policy and legislation . (Public Health | Public Entity Saba)
For more information on healthcare services and policies on Saba, you can visit the Saba Government Public Health page or the Saba Cares official website. (Public Health | Public Entity Saba)
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