Minister Michael Joseph Visits Leading Chinese Cardiac Centre to Advance Chest Pain Centre Initiative for Antigua and Barbuda

Minister of Health, Wellness, Environment ans Civil Service Affairs, Michael Joseph is continuing efforts to strengthen cardiac care in Antigua and Barbuda through a series of high-level engagements in the People’s Republic of China.

The Minister, accompanied by Medical Director of the Sir Lester Bird Medical Centre, Dr. Shivon Belle-Jarvis, and Antigua and Barbuda’s Ambassador to the People’s Republic of China, Clement Antonio met with Dr. Xingwei Zhang, Chief Physician and one of China’s leading cardiologists, and his team at The Affiliated Hospital of Hangzhou Normal University.

The visit forms part of the implementation of the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) signed between Antigua and Barbuda and The Affiliated Hospital of Hangzhou Normal University to establish a Chest Pain Centre in Antigua and Barbuda.

During the visit, the delegation toured the hospital’s Chest Pain Centre and observed the management of three patients presenting with acute chest pain. The team witnessed the Centre’s streamlined approach to emergency cardiac care, where rapid diagnosis, coordinated clinical decision-making, and timely intervention play a critical role in improving patient outcomes.

The discussions focused on the next phase of implementing the agreement, including the development of the infrastructure and systems required to establish the Chest Pain Centre in Antigua and Barbuda.

As part of the partnership, healthcare professionals from Antigua and Barbuda will travel to China to receive specialized training in emergency cardiac care and interventional cardiology.

In addition, specialists from The Affiliated Hospital of Hangzhou Normal University will travel to Antigua and Barbuda to provide technical support, mentorship, and hands-on training as the programme is rolled out.

Once fully operational, the Chest Pain Centre will significantly enhance the country’s capacity to diagnose and treat cardiovascular emergencies. Patients requiring advanced cardiac interventions, including coronary angioplasty (balloon procedures) and coronary stent placement, will increasingly be able to receive these life-saving treatments in Antigua and Barbuda, reducing the need for overseas referrals.

Minister Joseph said the visit represents another important milestone in strengthening the country’s healthcare system.

“The establishment of a Chest Pain Centre is a major step forward in our commitment to improving cardiac care for the people of Antigua and Barbuda. Through this partnership, we are building the expertise, infrastructure, and clinical capacity needed to deliver advanced cardiac services closer to home.”

The Ministry of Health will continue to work closely with its Chinese partners as preparations progress toward the establishment of the Chest Pain Centre, further strengthening Antigua and Barbuda’s ability to provide timely, high-quality cardiac care for its citizens.

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