Investigation Launched into Alleged Mistreatment of U.S. Medical Student at Clarevue

Antigua and Barbuda’s Ministry of Health has launched an internal investigation into allegations that a U.S. medical student was unlawfully detained and mistreated at Clarevue Psychiatric Hospital.

The student, who is enrolled at the American University of Antigua (AUA) and is a licensed nurse, was admitted on 15 August following a panic episode. Her family claims that although she stabilised within hours, she was confined until 27 August under what they describe as “inhumane” conditions.

In a formal complaint submitted to the Ministry of Health, the U.S. Embassy, and international human rights groups, her husband, Zain Zubair, alleged that hospital staff retaliated against her and engaged in coercion. The report accuses staff of detaining her without medical or legal justification, falsifying records to extend her stay, denying food and water, restricting visits from relatives and U.S. officials, and demanding US$2,000 to permit her departure from the island.

Emails sent by the student during her confinement expressed fear for her safety. “I am clearly not a danger to myself nor others. I fear danger to my life being here,” she wrote in one message.

Her family further alleges that conditions worsened after a local media outlet published an anonymous letter from a Clarevue staff member supporting their claims. They say visitation was further curtailed, food reduced, and communication limited.

The timing of her continued detention, they contend, caused her to miss an academic deadline at AUA, forcing her withdrawal from the current semester. She was discharged on 27 August and quietly left the country the following day.

The Ministry, while cautioning against premature conclusions, said its review will examine the patient’s admission, treatment, conditions of stay, discharge, and the conduct of all personnel involved.

“We remain fully committed to treating all patients—citizens, residents, and visitors alike—with dignity, compassion, and in accordance with established medical, ethical, and legal standards,” the Ministry said in a statement.

The Ministry also assured the public and international partners that Antigua and Barbuda’s health sector upholds transparency, accountability, and the highest standards of care.