Residents in and around the Villa community now have easier access to pharmacy services following the official opening of a new Medical Benefits Scheme (MBS) pharmacy at the Villa Polyclinic.
The facility was formally opened on Thursday during a brief ribbon-cutting ceremony led by Minister of Health, Wellness, Environment and Civil Service Affairs, Sir Molwyn Joseph.
He was joined by Chairman of the Medical Benefits Board, Sir Lionel Hurst, Chief Executive Officer of MBS, Kevin Silston, and Permanent Secretary for Primary Health Care, Stacey Gregg-Paige.
The new pharmacy is the result of a collaboration between the Ministry of Health and the Medical Benefits Scheme and is expected to significantly improve access to pharmaceutical services for residents who rely on the Villa Polyclinic, one of the island’s key primary healthcare facilities.
Speaking at the ceremony, Minister Joseph emphasised the importance of integrating pharmacy services within primary healthcare centres. He noted that having an on-site pharmacy allows patients to access care more conveniently and supports preventative healthcare, particularly as the country continues to face a growing burden of non-communicable diseases.
Epidemiologist and Director of Pharmacy at MBS, Dr Andre Bovell, said the timing of the new service is especially important given the changing healthcare needs of the population. He pointed to an ageing population and the increasing prevalence of chronic non-communicable diseases as key factors driving the need for more accessible and targeted healthcare services.
Dr Bovell explained that the addition of pharmacy services at the Villa Polyclinic strengthens the country’s primary healthcare framework and ensures that patients can receive timely treatment without unnecessary delays.
The MBS pharmacy at the Villa Polyclinic offers same-day pharmaceutical services and operates Monday to Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon.
MBS officials said the new location is part of ongoing efforts to expand services and improve convenience for beneficiaries across Antigua and Barbuda.
Persons seeking additional information about MBS pharmacy locations and services are encouraged to contact the Medical Benefits Scheme directly.
For people without transportation, having everything in one place is a big deal.