Honourable Michael Joseph, Minister of Health, Wellness, Environment and Civil Service Affairs, Antigua and Barbuda
Cabinet has approved a sweeping programme of investments aimed at transforming healthcare services at the Sir Lester Bird Medical Centre through new medical equipment, advanced technology and expanded specialist services.
Health Minister Michael Joseph presented proposals outlining priority equipment needed to modernise the country’s principal hospital.
Cabinet immediately approved negotiations for a EC$14 million loan to finance the acquisition of critical medical equipment while also authorising EC$2.5 million for the purchase of a new CT scanner to replace ageing diagnostic equipment.
The modernization programme includes new hospital beds, digital X-ray systems, neonatal incubators, anaesthesia machines, laparoscopic equipment, ophthalmology surgical technology and upgraded cybersecurity infrastructure.
Cabinet also welcomed plans for Minister Joseph to visit China next week to explore partnerships with HE Vision Group, an international leader in AI-powered ophthalmology technology.
Government hopes the proposed eye screening programme could allow more than 80 percent of Antigua and Barbuda’s population to receive vision screening before year-end.
Meanwhile, Cabinet confirmed that 24-hour pharmacy services at Sir Lester Bird Medical Centre are expected to begin on October 1, while the hospital’s Sickle Cell Unit is scheduled to become fully operational on August 6.
Officials say the investments represent one of the most comprehensive healthcare modernization initiatives undertaken in recent years.
This place needs a lot of help. This minister seems to have his head in the right place