Dr. Philmore Benjamin appointed as Consultant to Community Clinics in Antigua and Barbuda

Former UPP member Dr Philmore Benjamin has been appointed as a consultant to the community clinics to bolster primary health care services across the island.

Dr Benjamin was one of the long-serving members of the UPP who recently resigned.

The Cabinet approved this week.

Director General of Communications in the Prime Minister’s Office, Maurice Merchant, explained briefly Dr. Benjamin’s duties.

“Dr. Benjamin’s role is going to be to ascertain where there is the need for improvement in the delivery of healthcare at the clinics, and how clinics can diversify their offerings to better serve the communities where they are located,” Merchant said.

According to this week’s Cabinet notes, the first point of contact for individuals is accessing healthcare, primary care is essential—it must be accessible, affordable, and community-centered, with an emphasis on prevention, wellness, and the treatment of common illnesses.

Strengthening primary care is crucial to promoting health equity and achieving universal health coverage.

From his early upbringing, Dr. Benjamin was taught to serve others.

After completing his Secondary Education, he graduated as a certified Chemist and Druggist in 1979.

In 1980, Dr. Benjamin was awarded a scholarship to study Pharmacy at the University of Technology Kingston Jamaica. In 1986, he was awarded a Medical Scholarship to study at the Superior Institute of Medical Sciences in Cuba.

Dr. Benjamin obtained his first Sports Medicine Certificate in 1995 after successfully completing an IAAF Sports Medicine Course in San Juan, Puerto Rico.

In 2010, Dr. Benjamin completed his Master’s Degree in Sports Medicine and Exercise Science from the University of the West Indies Mona Campus, Jamaica. In 2012, he completed a course in Football Medicine at the University of Budapest, Hungary.

Dr. Philmore Benjamin brings over 30 years of experience in family medicine.

He is passionate about building long-lasting relationships with patients and providing comprehensive care tailored to individual needs. Dr. Benjamin is highly respected for his expertise in preventive care, chronic disease management, and geriatric medicine.