Brug targets December 2025 for SZV legislation, vows nocollapse

Minister of Public Health, Social Development and Labor (VSA), Richinel Brug, returned to Parliament on Wednesday to answer outstanding questions from MPs in the ongoing Central Committee meeting handling the re-submitted draft budget 2025. Most notably, the Minister addressed the financial health of SZV, health coverage for sole proprietors, the master plan for the mental health project and pending SZV-1 legislation.

Minister Brug began by assuring Parliament that his ministry remains fully committed to advancing the necessary legislative reforms to safeguard the country’s social and healthcare systems. "We are doing everything within the legal framework to ensure there is no collapse," he said, stressing that all efforts are being made to move forward with the reforms left behind by previous administrations—particularly those critical to SZV's sustainability.

Regarding the SZV legislation, Minister Brug confirmed that although the urgency of the matter remains high, the government must comply with established legal processes to ensure proper checks and balances. He noted that the Social and Economic Council (SER) has recognized the importance of the legislation and is convening additional meetings to expedite its advisory process.

“Our goal is to submit the draft legislation to Parliament prior to December 2025,” the Minister stated. “This timeline is essential because, once approved, SZV will require a full year to make the necessary preparations before implementation can begin at the start of the next calendar year.”

GREAT BAY--Minister Brug also responded to questions regarding the Health Levy, which was designed to reduce the financial burden on SZV. He emphasized that the essence of the law has not changed, regardless of changes in ministerial leadership. "Whether led by the Ministry of Finance, VSA, or Justice, the goal remains the same, strengthening SZV. The draft legislation has already been passed on to the Ministry of Finance for continued processing," he affirmed.

Addressing concerns over delays in the mental health project master plan, the Minister acknowledged the urgency of the issue and said he expects the document to be formally in his possession by next week. “This project holds national importance. We recognize the need to move quickly, and internal discussions have paved the way for delivery of the master plan,” he said.

Minister Brug also addressed the status of the SZV 1B legislation aimed at covering sole proprietors under the national health system. He reiterated that while leadership in legislative development may vary across ministries, the key issue is consistency in policy. “It does not matter who takes the lead,” he said. “What matters is that SZV remains the beneficiary, and that we stay focused on achieving the intended results.” He said the issue has not been abandoned as was suggested by MP Omar Ottley on Tuesday.

Throughout his remarks, Minister Brug emphasized the need for unified effort and policy continuity in addressing longstanding challenges in the healthcare system.

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