In this exclusive interview with Medical Tourism Magazine, we delve into the transformative journey of Horacio Oduber Hospital (HOH) in Aruba. In this candid discussion with the Better by MTA member, the team at HOH shares their inspiring story of evolution—from a medium-sized general hospital serving both locals and international visitors to a modern, state-of-the-art facility at the forefront of global medical travel. With Aruba attracting over 2 million tourists annually, HOH is uniquely positioned to deliver accessible, high-quality healthcare in a welcoming island paradise.
What do you do and how has your experience in the healthcare industry been?
Horacio Oduber Hospital (HOH) is a medium sized general hospital located on the island of Aruba, providing a comprehensive range of medical services and specialties to both locals and international visitors. Our vision is to offer accessible healthcare for everyone without compromising on quality. With Aruba welcoming over 2 million tourists annually, we are dedicated to caring for those in need of medical attention. Since September 2014, HOH has been undergoing a significant expansion and modernization project. This includes the construction of a new inpatient building, a state of the art emergency department three times its original size, a modern outpatient clinic for specialists, and extensive renovations throughout the hospital. These upgrades are designed to enhance patient privacy and elevate the overall healthcare experience in a contemporary and advanced medical environment.
HOH is home to over 20 different medical specialties, staffed by approximately 1,300 employees. Our team includes specialized physicians who either are contracted by the hospital or work privately, and our workforce is diverse, consisting of professionals from Aruba, the Caribbean region, Europe, and South America. This diversity, coupled with a multilingual work environment, allows us to cater to a broad range of patients, including those from the tourism sector. In addition to Dutch, our staff speaks Papiamento, Spanish, and English, enhancing communication and service quality.
As part of the Dutch Caribbean Hospital Alliance (DCHA), HOH is connected with other hospitals within the Kingdom of the Netherlands, as well as prestigious institutions such as the University Medical Center Utrecht (UMCU), Erasmus Medical Center (EMC), and Radboud University, ensuring access to cutting-edge research and medical advancements. Through these partnerships, we continue to deliver high quality care that benefits both local and international patients.
How many international patients do you receive per year?
Horacio Oduber Hospital (HOH) receives an average of 3,500 tourists per year, including inpatients, outpatients, and emergency department visits. Below is a graphical representation of where most of our international patients come from.
Do you have any patient stories to share?
“I am very satisfied. Very attentive on the patient needs and its surrounding. The overall care around the patient with a lot of patience was very comforting and the communication was complete and clear at every step. This attentive approach soothes the stress of the patients that leaves their home for medical care abroad”
M.J from New York
“Your IPO was extremely helpful! I don’t know what I would have done without them, especially Janesis Cano. I was in your country with little knowledge of what I had to do about hotel arrangements or even just getting a taxi, and they were all extremely helpful, even helping me get flights back to the states. I cannot say thank you enough for all that they helped me with!”
K.P from Florida
“We were impressed how the whole staff assits us! Even the security agents were helpful! You get a secure feeling that your family member is a top priority!”
S. A from Canada
How do you see the future of medical travel?
Horacio Oduber Hospital (HOH) is located on the beautiful island of Aruba, a destination known not only for its stunning beaches and crystal clear waters but also for its warm hospitality. Aruba welcomes approximately 2 million tourists annually, and while most come for a relaxing getaway, some find themselves in need of medical care. HOH is dedicated to providing high quality healthcare to both locals and visitors, ensuring that those who require medical attention receive expert treatment in a peaceful and welcoming environment.
At HOH, we embrace a patient centered approach, where exceptional medical expertise is combined with genuine hospitality. We understand that healing is not just about treatment, it’s about feeling cared for, comfortable, and supported every step of the way. Our compassionate team is dedicated to providing personalized care, ensuring that every patient receives the attention and comfort they deserve.
The future of medical travel looks promising, especially in destinations like Aruba, where patients can experience the perfect balance of top tier healthcare and relaxation. With modern medical facilities, a broad range of specialties, and international collaborations, HOH is well equipped to meet the growing demand for medical tourism.
As more people seek healthcare options that combine world class medical treatments with a soothing travel experience, Aruba’s appeal as a medical destination will only continue to grow. At HOH, we take pride in offering not just advanced medical care, but also a healing environment that promotes well being and peace of mind.
In Aruba, patients don’t just receive treatment, they heal in paradise. And at HOH, we make sure that every step of their journey is guided by expert care, warmth, and hospitality.
What is something unique that you do as a healthcare provider?
At Horacio Oduber Hospital (HOH), we pride ourselves on providing comprehensive, high quality medical care across more than 20 specialties, including surgery, neurosurgery, cardiology, pediatrics, minimally invasive procedures and interventional cardiology. What truly sets us apart is not only our advanced facilities and adherence to international standards, such as our operating rooms built to Dutch guidelines and our collaboration with the Sanquin Blood Bank, but also our patient centered approach.
In addition to our medical expertise, we introduced something truly special last year, the opening of our International Patient Office. What makes us unique is not just the services we offer, but the way we provide them, with warmth, dedication, and a deep commitment to every patient. From the moment they arrive, medical tourists are not just patients to us, they become part of our extended family.
At the International Patient Office, our team welcomes each patient with open arms, ensuring they feel at home in a foreign place. Our skilled physicians offer expert medical care tailored to individual needs, while our dedicated case manager provide personalized guidance throughout their journey. Our administrative assistants and logistical staff go beyond just organizing accommodations, transport, and appointments, they ensure every detail is handled with care, offering comfort and reassurance every step of the way.
We don’t just provide medical treatment, we create a compassionate and supportive environment where patients feel valued, respected, and truly cared for. Whether it’s assisting with daily tasks, offering a listening ear, or simply making sure they never feel alone, we are there. At Horacio Oduber Hospital, we are more than just healthcare providers, we are family.
What services do you offer to medical travelers?
At Horacio Oduber Hospital (HOH), we provide a comprehensive range of services designed to make medical travel as seamless and comfortable as possible.
Our medical services include a wide range of specialties such as general medicine, surgery, neurosurgery, cardiology, orthopedics, gynecology, oncology, and much more. We also provide advanced diagnostic services, including CT and MRI scans, ultrasound, laboratory testing, and dialysis. Whether patients are seeking elective procedures, specialized treatments, or follow up care, we tailor our services to meet their unique needs.
For medical travelers, we ensure a smooth experience by offering personalized assistance throughout the process. This includes pre arrival consultations, help with travel and accommodation arrangements, and multilingual staff available to guide patients through their stay.
Our hospital is equipped with state of the art facilities, including six operating rooms constructed according to Dutch standards, ensuring the highest levels of safety and quality. Additionally, we offer specialized centers, such as our Wound Care Center, Diabetes Center, and Pain Clinic, to ensure patients receive the best care in their recovery journey.
By choosing HOH, medical travelers benefit not only from high quality healthcare but also from Aruba’s calm and welcoming atmosphere, allowing for a restorative and holistic experience.
What medical procedures do you offer?
At Horacio Oduber Hospital (HOH), we offer a wide range of medical procedures across multiple specialties to ensure comprehensive patient care. Our services include:
- Surgical Procedures: General surgery, neurosurgery, orthopedic surgery, gynecological surgery, plastic surgery, and minimally invasive procedures.
- Cardiology: Cardiac evaluations, coronary angiography, and interventional cardiology procedures.
- Oncology: Cancer diagnosis, chemotherapy, and oncological surgery.
- Dialysis: Comprehensive dialysis services for patients with kidney disease.
- Advanced Diagnostics: CT and MRI scans, ultrasound, X-ray, endoscopy, bronchoscopy, and laboratory testing.
- Specialized Care Centers: Wound Care Center, Diabetes Center, and Pain Clinic for chronic condition management.
- Blood Bank: Ensuring a safe and efficient blood supply for transfusions and other medical needs.
- ISO 15189 Accredited Laboratory: Our in house laboratory meets internationally recognized quality standards, providing accurate and reliable medical testing for optimal patient care.
Our hospital is equipped with six operating rooms built according to Dutch medical standards, ensuring the highest levels of safety and quality for all procedures. Whether patients require elective surgeries, specialized treatments, or emergency interventions, HOH is committed to delivering high quality care in a safe and welcoming environment.
Why do you think Better by MTA is so great for the industry?
Better by MTA is a revolutionary tool for the healthcare industry, especially for hospitals like Horacio Oduber Hospital (HOH). Its ability to streamline processes, enhance communication, and improve patient care is incredibly valuable. In an era where healthcare systems are increasingly complex and patients expect more personalized, efficient care, Better by MTA provides a solution that integrates different aspects of healthcare into one cohesive platform.
For HOH, this means improved patient experience, better management of medical records, and enhanced coordination between various specialties. With the ability to access real time information and collaborate effectively across departments, Better by MTA helps ensure that our patients receive timely and accurate care.
Additionally, Better by MTA supports a more efficient and organized workflow, allowing healthcare professionals to focus on what they do best caring for patients. Its user friendly design and powerful capabilities make it an essential tool for hospitals aiming to improve operational efficiency and elevate the quality of care.
Overall, Better by MTA is a great asset to the healthcare industry, fostering a more connected, patient centered approach that meets the demands of modern healthcare.
