Antigua and Barbuda Cabinet Approves EC$14 Million Hospital Modernization Plan

The Cabinet has approved a major modernization programme for the Sir Lester Bird Medical Centre, authorizing negotiations for a EC$14 million loan to acquire new medical equipment and expand critical healthcare services, including the introduction of a 24-hour pharmacy and the installation of a new CT scanner.

Director General of Communications Maurice Merchant announced the initiative during Thursday’s post-Cabinet media briefing, describing it as one of the most comprehensive investments in the country’s principal public hospital in recent years.

Merchant said Health Minister Michael Joseph presented Cabinet with a detailed proposal outlining the medical equipment and infrastructure needed to modernize the nation’s primary referral hospital and improve patient care. Cabinet subsequently granted immediate approval for the Ministry of Health to begin negotiations with a local financial institution to secure the financing.

Recognizing the urgency of improving diagnostic services, Cabinet also approved the immediate allocation of EC$2.5 million to purchase a new computed tomography (CT) scanner to replace aging equipment currently in use at the hospital.

Merchant said the new scanner is expected to reduce waiting times, improve diagnostic accuracy and strengthen emergency and specialist care.

“The CT scanner is expected to reduce waiting times, improve diagnostic accuracy, and enhance emergency and specialist care for patients,” he said.

Beyond the CT scanner, the EC$14 million financing package will fund the acquisition of a broad range of equipment intended to upgrade multiple departments throughout the hospital.

According to Merchant, the procurement list includes new hospital beds, fluoroscopy equipment, cybersecurity improvements and information technology infrastructure, laparoscopic tower systems, neonatal incubators, CT pressure injectors, digital X-ray equipment, ophthalmology surgical equipment, anesthesia machines, patient monitors, operating theatre tables, diathermy machines and specialized ophthalmic therapy equipment.

He said the purchases are designed to improve patient care across numerous clinical disciplines while increasing the efficiency and reliability of healthcare services provided by the institution.

Merchant said Cabinet viewed the investment as one of the largest equipment modernization initiatives undertaken at the Sir Lester Bird Medical Centre in recent years.

In addition to approving new equipment, Cabinet received an update on plans to strengthen ophthalmic services through a partnership with Chinese healthcare providers.

Merchant said Joseph will travel to China in the coming days to meet with HE Vision Group, an international company specializing in digital ophthalmology and artificial intelligence-driven vision screening technology.

The visit will include discussions on acquiring three specialized AI-powered vision screening systems capable of detecting glaucoma, diabetic retinopathy, cataracts, refractive errors and other eye conditions. The minister is also expected to visit the company’s affiliated university and teaching hospital to explore long-term collaboration in ophthalmic care and medical training.

Cabinet was told the technology could allow more than 80 percent of Antigua and Barbuda’s population to undergo vision screening before the end of the year, with particular emphasis on schoolchildren, senior citizens and people living with chronic diseases.

Merchant also announced that the Sir Lester Bird Medical Centre will begin offering 24-hour pharmacy services from Oct. 1, replacing the current limited operating hours.

He said the expanded service will ensure patients have continuous access to prescribed medications for emergency cases, inpatients and after-hours treatment while improving the overall efficiency of hospital operations.

The ministry will undertake staffing and operational changes before the new service begins.

In another healthcare development, Merchant said the hospital’s Sickle Cell Unit is scheduled to become fully operational on Aug. 6, further expanding specialized services available to patients.

Merchant said the initiatives form part of the government’s broader strategy to modernize the healthcare system through sustained investment in technology, digital innovation, infrastructure and specialized clinical services.

He said Cabinet reaffirmed that improving access to high-quality healthcare remains one of the administration’s highest priorities and pledged continued support for initiatives aimed at strengthening medical services throughout Antigua and Barbuda.

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