# Aruba healthcare and social welfare developments

> Developing situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/aruba-healthcare-and-social-welfare-developments
> Updated: 2026-11-02T21:10:13.000Z. Sources: 2. Developments: 2.

The Parliament of Aruba is addressing various challenges within the healthcare and social welfare sectors. In October 2026, the Special Committee on Sustainable Development Goals highlighted a critical shortage of midwives, noting that the number of professionals on the island has decreased from eight to four. Projections indicate the count could drop to three by September 2027, prompting calls for proactive leadership to protect maternal and infant health.

In November 2026, Minister of Health Mervin Wyatt-Ras and Prime Minister Mike Eman submitted a legislative proposal to Parliament to support families with children requiring intensive care. The proposed law, titled Landsverordening tegemoetkoming voor kinderen met intensieve zorgbehoefte, suggests a monthly contribution of Afl. 500 for each child under 18 with intensive care needs to help cover costs for therapy, medical treatment, and specialized equipment.

## Timeline

### 2026-11-02: Aruba officials propose financial support for children with intensive care needs

Aruban ministers have submitted a bill to Parliament proposing a monthly Afl. 500 allowance for families with children requiring intensive care to help cover medical and therapeutic costs.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/aruba-officials-propose-financial-support-for-children-with-intensive-care-needs

### 2026-10-23: Aruba Parliament addresses urgent midwife shortage

Aruba's Parliament is addressing a critical shortage of midwives, which has dropped from eight to four and could fall to three by 2027, threatening prenatal and postnatal care continuity.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/aruba-parliament-addresses-urgent-midwife-shortage

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Cite as: Aruba healthcare and social welfare developments. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/aruba-healthcare-and-social-welfare-developments