Receiver appointed to manage the affairs of the Cancer Centre

By Aabigayle McIntosh

A receiver has been appointed to manage the affairs of the Cancer Centre Eastern Caribbean which closed its doors at the end of April.

According to the Cabinet of Antigua and Barbuda, the entity which has an 80 per cent shareholding in the facility has appointed a receiver to deal with matters relating to the facility.

The government also noted that it is looking to make an offer to purchase the health facility based on valuation figures that were submitted to the government valuation officer.

If the offer is rejected by the receiver, the government said it intends to proceed to “exercise the eminent domain option, causing the courts to determine what value is reasonable”.

The center’s principals previously notified the government weeks ago that the facility will cease operations at the end of April if they are unable to secure a US$15 million investment needed to keep it afloat. The government has insisted that the US$15 million price tag is too exorbitant.

They have also given the assurance that individuals who rely on the services of the facility will not be left at a disadvantage.

Health Minister Sir Molwyn Joseph told local radio that the Medical Benefits Scheme (MBS) will continue to cover the cost of care for people who may have to be flown overseas, especially in cases where the patient cannot afford it.

He said then that a determination would be made after an assessment is carried out by the MBS to determine the person’s ability to cover the cost of care.