Curacao pharmacy supports Aruba hospital with critical medication preparation

WILLEMSTAD/ORANJESTAD – Following the temporary shutdown of the facility used to prepare high-risk medications at Horacio Oduber Hospital (HOH) in Aruba, the pharmacy of the Curaçao Medical Center (CMC) has stepped in to help ensure continuity of patient care.

So far, no official statement has been issued by HOH regarding the situation. According to information obtained by the Antilliaans Dagblad, the CMC pharmacy has been temporarily preparing, since mid-June, medications including cytotoxic drugs for patients in Aruba. This arrangement will remain in place until HOH's new cleanroom has been validated and is fully operational.

Cytotoxic drugs are powerful medicines that slow or stop cell growth. They are mainly used in chemotherapy for cancer patients, but are also prescribed for certain other diseases, including rheumatic conditions.

To maintain uninterrupted care, both hospitals, customs authorities, inspection services, and the responsible ministers in Curaçao and Aruba have been working closely together. The ministers involved have been kept informed throughout the process.

The medications are transported to Aruba on a daily basis. The pharmaceutical preparations are carried out by Aruban pharmacy assistants working at CMC, helping prevent the Curaçao hospital pharmacy from exceeding its capacity.