The Government of Antigua and Barbuda has signed four major agreements with the Affiliated Hospital of Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou Normal University, and the Sir Lester Bird Medical Centre, marking one of the most significant leaps in healthcare cooperation between Antigua and Barbuda and the People’s Republic of China.
The agreements cover long-term medical collaboration, the establishment of an Omni Care Center, the creation of an International Internet Hospital, and a pioneering regional public health research programme. Together, they aim to modernize Antigua and Barbuda’s health system through specialist exchanges, telemedicine, advanced diagnostics, emergency care upgrades, and large-scale training for doctors, nurses, and technicians.
A five-year Strategic Cooperation Agreement sets the foundation for ongoing clinical and academic partnerships, including the development of an Eastern Caribbean Chest Pain Centre and joint research on chronic disease prevention. The Omni Care Center agreement will strengthen emergency medical capabilities and expand access to advanced diagnostics. Meanwhile, the International Internet Hospital will give patients access to online consultations and remote specialist evaluations. A separate agreement on multi-stream data use will support in-depth health research across the Eastern Caribbean, helping governments design evidence-based public health policies.
The Government described the agreements as historic, noting that they will expand access to specialist care, reduce overseas referrals, and bring world-class medical expertise directly to Antiguan and Barbudan citizens.
