Cabinet Welcomes Return of Cuban-Trained Specialists, Approves Expansion of ENT Unit at SLBMC

The Cabinet of Antigua and Barbuda has welcomed the impending return of several Antiguan and Barbudan doctors who are set to complete their specialist training in the coming months, marking what officials describe as a significant boost to the country’s healthcare system.

The doctors, Dr. Jessica Charles (ENT), Dr. Cameron Knowles (Dermatology), Dr. Auriel Aaron (Gastroenterology), Dr. Adriana Cole Baez (Cardiology), and Dr. Mitchell James (Orthopedics and Traumatology), pursued advanced medical studies in the Republic of Cuba under the longstanding bilateral medical cooperation programme between the two nations.

Cabinet commended the physicians for their academic achievements, noting that their return will strengthen clinical services and expand access to specialized care across Antigua and Barbuda.

In a concrete step to support the expanded services, Cabinet approved the build-out of a dedicated Ear, Nose and Throat (ENT) Unit at the Sir Lester Bird Medical Centre in recognition of Dr. Jessica Charles’s specialization. The upgraded unit is expected to provide modern, comprehensive ENT services locally, reducing wait times and improving patient outcomes.

Officials said the addition of the new specialists will enhance healthcare delivery in several key areas, including increasing access to advanced diagnostic and treatment services, reducing the need for costly overseas referrals, and strengthening the capacity of public healthcare institutions to manage complex medical conditions.

The Cabinet reaffirmed its commitment to continued investment in healthcare workforce development and infrastructure, underscoring its goal of ensuring that residents have access to high-quality, specialized medical services at home.