Residents of Barbuda are set to benefit from a series of expanded healthcare services, including the planned return of childbirth services to the island for the first time since Hurricane Irma in 2017.
The measures were outlined during a presentation by the Minister for Health, Wellness, the Environment and Public Service Affairs, who briefed Cabinet on recent visits conducted across several institutions and departments under the Ministry, including the Hannah Thomas Hospital.
Cabinet was informed that the hospital continues to operate effectively within its current capabilities while maintaining quality healthcare services for residents of Barbuda.
Among the major initiatives approved is the planned reintroduction of childbirth services to Barbuda. Since the passage of Hurricane Irma in 2017, expectant mothers from Barbuda have been required to travel to Antigua for deliveries at the Sir Lester Bird Medical Centre.
Government officials noted that restoring maternity services to Barbuda forms part of a broader commitment to ensuring residents can access essential healthcare services closer to home.
Cabinet also approved plans to introduce laboratory services at the Hannah Thomas Hospital to improve diagnostic capabilities and reduce the need for residents to travel to Antigua for routine testing and medical assessments.
In addition, the Ministry of Health will implement a new patient booking system allowing residents of Barbuda to schedule specialized medical appointments in Antigua, including X-rays and MRI examinations, directly from Barbuda.
The initiative is expected to ease the financial and logistical burden faced by patients who currently travel to Antigua simply to arrange appointments before returning for the actual procedures at a later date.
Cabinet welcomed the proposed healthcare improvements and reaffirmed the Government’s commitment to ensuring equitable healthcare access for residents throughout Antigua and Barbuda regardless of geographic location.
