Local News
PM Mercelina visits Philips Healthcare in the Netherlands to look at hospital technology
Prime Minister Luc Mercelina visited Philips Healthcare in Best, the Netherlands, on October 22 to look at medical imaging, AI and remote clinical support. No agreement was announced.
By SXM Daily ·
Reported 22 October 2026
Prime Minister Dr. Luc Mercelina visited Philips Healthcare in Best, the Netherlands, on Thursday, October 22, during his working mission, the Government of Sint Maarten said in a press release. SXM Today also reported the visit.
What the delegation saw
According to the release, presentations covered medical imaging, AI-assisted technology and connected patient monitoring, as well as remote clinical support and monitoring outside the hospital. Philips highlighted the prospect of some MRI examinations taking about five minutes, depending on the examination and the technology used.
Léon Kempeneers, CEO of Philips Benelux, hosted the delegation. The visit followed an earlier meeting between Minister of Public Health, Social Development and Labour (VSA) Claret Connor and Philips representatives at the UN General Assembly in New York in September.
The new hospital
Mercelina said the new hospital must include "the modernization and innovation our people need". He said any new technology must be assessed with healthcare institutions and professionals, taking into account training, maintenance, digital infrastructure, patient privacy and long-term affordability.
No agreement or purchase was announced. Minister Plenipotentiary Gracita Arrindell and Chief of Staff Stuart Johnson accompanied the Prime Minister.
Sources
- Government of Sint Maarten press release: https://www.sintmaartengov.org/news/Pages/press-release.aspx?slug=press-release-pm-mercelina-explores-smarter-more-connected-healthcare-for-sint-maarten-during-philips-visit
- The release as carried by SMN News: https://www.smn-news.com/index.php/st-maarten-st-martin-news/52111-pm-mercelina-explores-smarter-more-connected-healthcare-for-sint-maarten-during-philips-visit.html
- SXM Today: https://sxmtoday.com/news/mercelina-visits-philips-healthcare-during-netherlands-mission