The Medical Benefits Scheme (MBS) is spending more than $40 million annually on medications and overseas medical treatment, with the majority of those costs driven by the growing burden of non-communicable diseases (NCDs), according to Health Minister Sir Molwyn Joseph.

The disclosure was made on Thursday as Sir Molwyn addressed the opening ceremony of a new MBS satellite pharmacy at the Villa Polyclinic.

Sir Molwyn revealed that approximately $25 million is spent each year through the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS) Drug Procurement Programme to purchase medications, primarily for the treatment of NCDs. He noted that MBS is the leading contributor within the programme, consistently meeting all of its financial and procurement obligations.

Health Minister Sir Molwyn Joseph

“These drugs are largely used to treat non-communicable diseases, which remain one of the most serious challenges facing our healthcare system,” Sir Molwyn said.

In addition, he disclosed that another $15 million annually is allocated to sending patients overseas for specialised medical care that is not currently available in Antigua and Barbuda.
The Health Minister warned that without a fundamental shift toward prevention, the financial and human cost of NCDs will continue to rise.

“The cost of non-communicable diseases is not just measured in dollars and cents,” he said. “It is measured in lives lost. If we do not evolve in how we manage these diseases, the number of cases will continue to increase.”

Sir Molwyn outlined what he described as a “parallel tracks” approach to addressing the crisis — continuing to treat existing illnesses while simultaneously investing more aggressively in prevention.

“We cannot remain trapped in a cycle where we are always treating disease and not investing in preventing disease,” he cautioned. “If we do not take seriously the promotion, encouragement, and institutionalisation of healthy lifestyles, we are not going to win this battle.”

Dr. Andre Bovell also highlighted the growing complexity of healthcare delivery in Antigua and Barbuda, pointing to an ageing population and a sharp rise in conditions such as heart disease, diabetes, cancer, and chronic respiratory illnesses.

Health officials say the figures underscore the urgent need for stronger public health education, early intervention, and lifestyle changes to reduce the long-term strain on the healthcare system.