All 37 Antiguan and Barbudan patients receiving specialised medical treatment in Colombia are safe and continuing their care following the recent earthquake, Health Minister Hon. Michael Joseph has reported.

Joseph provided Cabinet with an update on the welfare of the patients and the status of the medical institutions at which they are being treated.

The patients are receiving care at three hospitals in Colombia. Cabinet was informed that only one of the three facilities—the hospital in Imbalico—was affected by the earthquake.

The Ministry of Health moved swiftly to contact the relevant institutions and ascertain the condition of the patients after the earthquake.

It continues to monitor the situation and remains in contact with the hospitals and other relevant parties.

In addition to the update on the overseas patients, Joseph announced that Antigua and Barbuda’s new Sickle Cell Centre will officially open next week.

The centre will provide dedicated care and support for people living with sickle cell disease and forms part of the Government’s continuing efforts to expand access to specialised treatment locally.

Cabinet welcomed the imminent opening and acknowledged the importance of having a dedicated facility capable of responding to the needs of sickle cell patients and their families.

The Health Minister also reported that the new autopsy suite and mortuary at the former Holberton Hospital compound are scheduled to become operational by the end of August.

Preparations are progressing towards the opening of both facilities, which are expected to strengthen the country’s capacity to provide appropriate mortuary and post-mortem services.

Following their opening, the Ministry of Health will direct greater attention towards renovating and improving community health clinics.

The Browne’s Avenue and All Saints clinics are among the facilities identified for urgent attention.

Cabinet said improving community clinics would strengthen primary healthcare, give residents greater access to quality services closer to their homes and reduce unnecessary pressure on the country’s main hospital.

The Government reaffirmed its commitment to investing in healthcare infrastructure, specialised treatment and community-based services.