Cabinet To Revamp Healthcare Services In Barbuda

The sister island will in the near future have a dental and eye clinic.

The news was shared in this week’s Cabinet notes.

Along with the clinic, approval has been made for the construction of a Helipad close to the Hanna Thomas Hospital.

Approval was also given for the expansion of a medical laboratory at the Hanna Thomas Hospital, along with the establishment of a Blood Bank to serve the hospital.

For decades, residents of Barbuda have faced significant challenges in accessing reliable dental and eye care services. Procedures such as extractions, fillings, and vision testing required travel to Antigua, posing difficulties for many due to cost, transportation, and weather conditions.

The new clinic will eliminate this long-standing disparity by bringing essential oral and vision health services directly to the people of Barbuda.

The project forms a key part of the Government’s National Health Strategic Plan (2021–2025) and the Barbuda Recovery and Resilience Framework, which prioritise equitable access to healthcare and the decentralisation of critical social services.

It also aligns with the principles of the Sustainable Island Resource Framework (SIRF) by promoting climate-resilient and community-based infrastructure that enhances quality of life and supports sustainable living on Barbuda.

The Dental and Eye Clinic will be integrated within or adjacent to the Barbuda Health Centre, utilising existing utilities, administrative resources, and security infrastructure. This approach ensures cost-effectiveness and maximises service continuity.

The clinic will be staffed initially by a rotating team of dental surgeons and ophthalmologists from Antigua, supported by trained nurses and technicians in Barbuda.

Over time, the Ministry of Health will implement training programmes to develop local capacity and promote self-reliance in basic dental and eye care.

Cabinet has authorised the Ministry of Health, Wellness, Environment and Civil Service Affairs to lead the planning, coordination, and implementation of the project. The Ministry will also collaborate with regional and international development partners—including the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO), the Caribbean Development Bank (CDB), and other donor agencies—to secure technical assistance, equipment, and complementary funding to strengthen the clinic’s long-term sustainability.

Preparatory works, including site readiness and procurement, are expected to commence within three months, with full operationalisation anticipated within six to eight months of Cabinet’s approval.

The Ministry will submit a comprehensive implementation report to Cabinet within three months, detailing the project’s budget, timelines, staffing, and partnership arrangements.

This initiative represents another major step in Government’s mission to ensure that all citizens—regardless of geography—have access to quality healthcare services.