New Medical Benefits Pharmacy Opens at Glanvilles Polyclinic to Serve Eastern Communities

Residents in Antigua’s eastern communities will now have easier access to essential medications following the opening of a new Medical Benefits Pharmacy at the Glanvilles Polyclinic.

The facility, operated by the Medical Benefits Scheme under the Ministry of Health, was officially commissioned during a ceremony held at the clinic on Tuesday.

Among those attending the opening were Minister of Health, Wellness, Environment and Civil Service Affairs Sir Molwyn Joseph; Minister of State within the Ministry Senator Michael Joseph; Chairman of the Medical Benefits Board Sir Lionel Hurst; Chief Executive Officer of the Medical Benefits Scheme Kevin Silston; Acting Permanent Secretary Marsha Joseph; Chief Medical Officer Dr. Kamaria DeCastro; along with other senior technical officers from the Ministry of Health and the Medical Benefits Scheme.

During the ceremony, Minister Joseph said the introduction of the pharmacy is part of ongoing efforts to strengthen primary healthcare services and make medications more accessible to patients across the island.

He noted that individuals receiving treatment at the Glanvilles Polyclinic will now be able to collect their prescriptions on-site, eliminating the need to travel to St. John’s or other areas to obtain their medications.

According to the minister, this improvement will be particularly beneficial for elderly patients and those managing chronic conditions such as hypertension and diabetes, who often require consistent access to medication.

Joseph also explained that the establishment of additional pharmacies is aligned with the government’s broader strategy to decentralize healthcare services and bring essential medical support closer to communities.

He further highlighted the importance of building the country’s pharmaceutical workforce. The government revived the national pharmacy training programme in 2017 after it was discontinued in 2010, and the initiative has since produced approximately 30 trained professionals to support the expanding healthcare system.

The Glanvilles facility represents the latest expansion of pharmaceutical services through the Medical Benefits Scheme. In June 2025, a similar pharmacy was opened at the Villa Polyclinic to improve access for residents in that area.

With the new pharmacy now operational at the Glanvilles Polyclinic, residents of Glanvilles, Pares, Seatons, Willikies and neighbouring communities will be able to obtain their medications within their own district.

The pharmacy will operate Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., providing same-day service for patients attending the clinic.