The government’s plan to reopen the Antigua and Barbuda Cancer Centre has hit an unexpected delay due to challenges in safely removing outdated medical equipment from the facility.

Director of Communications in the Prime Minister’s Office, Maurice Merchant, explained that the disposal process is taking longer than initially anticipated because it requires specialized expertise.

“It takes professionals to remove and dispose of the equipment, and that is taking longer than anticipated,” Merchant said. “It remains a priority to have the cancer centre operational, because currently the government is funding patients’ treatment overseas.”

According to Merchant, the formal agreement on who will manage the centre has already been reached, signaling that once the old equipment is cleared, preparations for reopening can move forward swiftly.

The Antigua and Barbuda Cancer Centre, was established in 2009 as a regional facility offering radiation and oncology services to patients across the Eastern Caribbean. It was once heralded as a major advancement in the country’s healthcare system, providing life-saving treatments locally at significantly lower costs.

However, in recent years, the centre’s operations slowed, and services were eventually suspended due to aging equipment, maintenance issues, and staffing challenges. This has forced many cancer patients to seek treatment abroad — an expense the government has been shouldering through special medical assistance programs.

The current disposal and refurbishment project is part of the government’s broader commitment to revitalizing critical healthcare infrastructure, ensuring that residents have access to specialized cancer care without leaving the country.

Merchant reaffirmed that despite the delays, the reopening of the cancer centre remains a top national priority.