Senator Michael Joseph, and Permanent Secretary, Mr. Colin O’Keiffe
Minister of State in the Ministry of Health, Wellness, Environment and Civil Service Affairs, Senator Michael Joseph, and Permanent Secretary, Mr. Colin O’Keiffe, are representing Antigua and Barbuda at the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS) Pooled Procurement Services (PPS) and Ministers of Health Meetings, now underway in Grenada.
The five-day gathering, taking place from October 20 to 24, 2025, convenes health ministers, senior officials, and technical experts from across the OECS to strengthen regional cooperation in pharmaceutical procurement and healthcare supply chain management.
The OECS Pooled Procurement Services initiative remains a cornerstone of regional health collaboration — enabling member states to access high-quality medicines and medical supplies at reduced costs through collective purchasing power. During the sessions, delegates are discussing key priorities including cost containment, equitable access to essential medicines, and measures to build more resilient and transparent procurement systems across the region.
The active participation of Antigua and Barbuda’s delegation highlights the Government’s ongoing commitment to regional health integration and the continuous improvement of national health infrastructure.
“The outcomes of this meeting are expected to shape strategies that ensure the efficiency, sustainability, and equity of our healthcare systems,” the Ministry said in a statement. “Antigua and Barbuda looks forward to adopting best practices and recommendations that will further strengthen national procurement processes and enhance health security for all citizens.”
The meetings reaffirm the shared vision of OECS member states to deliver accessible, affordable, and reliable healthcare through regional solidarity and collaboration.
These meetings are exactly what we need to make sure our health system keeps improving. Fingers crossed for positive outcomes.