Extended Operational Hours Announced for Four Health Centers

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Health Minister, Sir Molwyn Joseph has announced a major step forward in improving access to healthcare in Antigua and Barbuda with the introduction of extended operating hours at four community health centres across the island.

Effective April 1, 2026, the Brownes Avenue Health Centre, Grays Farm Health Centre, Clare Hall Health Centre, and the Villa Polyclinic will operate from 8:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. daily, significantly expanding the availability of essential primary healthcare services for residents.

The announcement was made earlier this week during the official opening ceremony for the Medical Benefits Pharmacy at the Glanvilles Polyclinic.

Minister Joseph described the initiative as a critical step in strengthening the country’s primary healthcare system and reducing unnecessary pressure on the nation’s main hospital, the Sir Lester Bird Medical Centre.

By extending the operating hours of community clinics, the Ministry of Health is ensuring that residents have greater access to timely medical care closer to their homes, particularly during the evening hours when many individuals would otherwise have no option but to seek treatment at the hospital’s emergency department.

The extended-hours clinics will provide a wide range of services including general medical consultations, acute wound care, maternal and child health services, vaccinations, and minor emergency care.

These facilities will also manage a variety of urgent medical conditions such as lacerations, acute bronchial asthma exacerbations, dehydration, gastroenteritis, and uncontrolled chronic illnesses including hypertension and diabetes.

By treating these cases within the community setting, the initiative is expected to significantly improve patient flow and reduce congestion at the hospital’s Accident and Emergency Department.

Patients whose conditions require more advanced care will be referred to the Sir Lester Bird Medical Centre, with ambulance transport provided where necessary to ensure continuity of care.

Minister Joseph emphasized that this initiative represents part of a broader strategic effort to modernize and strengthen healthcare delivery in Antigua and Barbuda, ensuring that citizens and residents have greater access to quality, efficient, and responsive medical services.

The Ministry of Health is currently finalizing all operational arrangements to ensure that the initiative is fully in place ahead of its implementation, marking a significant advancement in the Government’s ongoing commitment to improving healthcare access and outcomes for the people of Antigua and Barbuda.

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