$40 Million Investment to Improve Healthcare Infrastructure in Antigua and Barbuda

$40 Million Investment to Improve Healthcare Infrastructure in Antigua and Barbuda

Antigua and Barbuda’s healthcare sector is set for significant advancements in 2025, with $40 million earmarked for critical projects to enhance medical facilities, address chronic health issues, and improve access to care. Prime Minister Gaston Browne, during his 2025 Budget presentation, emphasized the government’s commitment to strengthening the healthcare system to meet the evolving needs of the population.

“Healthcare is a top priority for this government, and we are making the investments necessary to ensure our people receive quality medical care,” Browne declared. Key initiatives include the completion of the Renal Centre, the expansion of mental health services, and upgrades to healthcare facilities across the nation.

One of the flagship projects is the construction of a specialized Renal Centre at the old Holberton Hospital site. Funded through a combination of resources from the Caribbean Development Bank (CDB) and the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB), this $20.4 million project will provide life-saving care for patients suffering from chronic kidney disease. “This facility will ensure that chronic renal patients can access the care they need without having to travel abroad,” Browne said. The centre is expected to be fully operational by late 2025, with dialysis machines, reverse osmosis equipment, and other advanced technologies already being procured.

The government is also focusing on addressing mental health challenges, an area that has gained increasing attention in recent years. A 6-acre property in Seaview Farm has been acquired for $8.1 million and will be retrofitted into a modern mental health facility. “This centre will provide holistic and integrative care, offering much-needed services for individuals requiring mental health support,” Browne noted. The facility will deliver a wide range of services, including behavioral therapy, counseling, and community outreach programs.

Cancer care is another priority, with the government recently acquiring the Eastern Caribbean Cancer Centre through compulsory purchase. In June 2024, the centre was sold to a North American venture capital firm for $13 million, with the new owners committing to reestablishing it as a regional hub for advanced cancer treatment. This partnership is expected to bring cutting-edge oncology services to Antigua and Barbuda, benefiting both residents and the wider Caribbean.

The government’s investments in healthcare infrastructure extend to primary and secondary care facilities. Funding has been allocated for the refurbishment of existing clinics and the construction of new healthcare centres in underserved areas. These projects aim to decentralize healthcare services, ensuring that residents across the country can access essential care without facing long travel times.

Browne also highlighted the importance of international partnerships in advancing the nation’s healthcare goals. “We are grateful for the support of our bilateral and multilateral partners, who have contributed significantly to these projects,” he said. The government is working closely with organizations such as the CDB, IDB, and the World Health Organization (WHO) to secure additional resources for healthcare improvements.

These investments come at a time of significant progress in Antigua and Barbuda’s economy, which has created the fiscal space to fund critical social programs. With projected GDP growth of 6% in 2025, the government is leveraging its improved financial position to prioritize public health. Browne emphasized that these initiatives are not just about infrastructure but about improving outcomes for all citizens. “By investing in healthcare, we are investing in our people and ensuring a healthier, more prosperous future for everyone,” he said.

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