Patients in Antigua and Barbuda who are battling cancer will soon have access to state-of-the-art cancer therapy, as plans are underway to reopen the Cancer Centre.

Prime Minister Gaston Browne has announced that a deal has been finalized with a North American company to take over the facility’s operations and complete the entity’s sale.

He said the sale was completed on Friday for EC$13 million.

“We acquired the building, not the equipment, and the value that has always been placed on the building was that amount. There is an entity out of North America that is involved in the health space”, he said

According to Browne, the new owners have a number of novel cancer treatments, and they will provide these services here.

“In addition, they have some products that will be exported throughout the region from St. John’s, and that cancer centre services are now likely to become an export product for the Caribbean region,” he reported.

The prime said that the government has taken significant steps to support the local healthcare system.

He mentioned that the cost of treatment at the cancer center for locals has been capped at US$12,000.00 per person, with the government guaranteeing the underwriting of this cost.

This is an increase from the previous cap of US$10,000.00, which the prime minister explained was insufficient to cover the costs, particularly the cost of electricity.

Due to this, the government has agreed to allocate additional funds to cover the expenses of each patient receiving treatment at the facility.

Moreover, the prime minister emphasized the government’s focus on developing Antigua and Barbuda as a hub for healthcare and educational services.

He mentioned plans for the establishment of a new medical school and the expansion of educational services through the UWI FIC.

Additionally, the prime minister highlighted the efforts of Ambassador, Dr. Joseph (Joey) John, who has established a private hospital to provide healthcare services, including cosmetic surgery, not only for Antigua and Barbuda but also for the northeastern Caribbean region.

It was also noted that many individuals are already benefitting from these expanded services.