PHILIPSBURG:--- Former Minister of Public Health, Social Development, and Labor (VSA), and now Member of Parliament, Mr. Omar Ottley, has seen his initial efforts to reform healthcare in Sint Maarten take a significant step forward with the submission of the Social Economic Council’s (SER) advice on the draft national ordinance titled the Sustainable Affordable Accessible Health Care Act (SAAHA). This legislation, formerly known as the General Health Insurance (GHI), aims to revolutionize healthcare access and funding for all residents of Sint Maarten.
The draft ordinance was first introduced by then-Minister Ottley on March 7, 2023, during his tenure as Minister of VSA. However, the advisory process faced delays due to the expiration of the SER Board’s term on April 30, 2023, and the subsequent non-appointment of a new Board. A revised version of the draft ordinance, under its updated title SAAHA, was submitted to the SER on March 4, 2024. The advisory process resumed only after the SER Board was reappointed by Prime Minister Dr. Luc Mercelina on August 5, 2024, following a 16-month hiatus.
After months of deliberations and consultations with stakeholders, the SER finalized its advice and submitted it to the current Minister of Public Health, Social Development, and Labor, Mr. R. Brug, on September 5, 2025. The submission marks a critical milestone in the legislative process, as the SAAHA seeks to address long-standing challenges in Sint Maarten’s healthcare system.
A Vision for Equitable Healthcare
The SAAHA legislation is designed to ensure that all residents of Sint Maarten have access to an improved and equitable healthcare package. By introducing a solidarity premium, the legislation aims to enhance solidarity within the healthcare system. This premium includes contributions toward long-term care and addresses the lack of investment in healthcare infrastructure by private insurers. Additionally, the draft law contains provisions to ensure that the government meets its financial obligations to the healthcare fund, thereby addressing funding deficits that have disproportionately affected citizens.
The introduction of SAAHA is expected to strengthen the healthcare system by providing a more sustainable funding model and ensuring that all citizens, regardless of income, have access to the same level of care. However, the SER has raised concerns about the cost containment measures associated with the legislation, as well as the fiscal consequences for taxpayers and the arrears owed to Social and Health Insurances (SZV).
SER’s Commitment to Policy Development
The SER has reaffirmed its commitment to contributing to the socio-economic policy development of Sint Maarten by providing timely, comprehensive, and independent advice. In its submission, the Council emphasized the importance of strengthened cooperation and professionalism between the Government and the SER to ensure that legislative processes are guided by robust and well-considered advisory input.
The SER also extended its appreciation to Minister Brug for his patience and support throughout the advisory process. Special recognition was given to Minister of Finance Ms. M. Gumbs, Dr. J. Asin, Ms. F. Arnell, Head of the Department of Public Health, and Mr. E. Felisie, CFO of SZV, for their tireless collaboration and valuable contributions.
A Legacy of Reform
As the SAAHA legislation moves forward, it represents a continuation of the vision set forth by former Minister Ottley, now Member of Parliament. His efforts to introduce comprehensive healthcare reform have laid the groundwork for a more equitable and sustainable healthcare system in Sint Maarten. The submission of the SER’s advice marks a significant step toward achieving this vision and underscores the potential for Sint Maarten to strengthen its social and economic stability through shared responsibility and collaboration.
The draft legislation is now before the Government for further deliberation, with the hope that it will soon be enacted to benefit all residents of Sint Maarten.
