Netherlands Antilles

Map

The Caribbean islands of Bonaire, Sint Eustatius, and Saba have been special municipalities of the Netherlands since 2010, when public administration responsibilities were transferred from the Government of the Netherlands Antilles to the Netherlands. As a result, all residents have access to new social and health benefits, which are similar for the three islands. The Ministry of Health, Welfare and Sport makes health care policy for Bonaire, Sint Eustatius, and Saba. In 2012, total health costs for the three islands came to around US$ 102 million. This summary explores each municipality’s particular social and health determinants. It also describes the health system shared by the three municipalities, which have similar achievements, challenges, and outlooks.