The Antigua and Barbuda Cabinet is considering a proposal to establish the country’s first interventional radiology unit at the Sir Lester Bird Medical Centre, a move officials describe as potentially “historical” for local health care.
Director General of Communications Maurice Merchant said the proposal was submitted by Dr. Preston Goodwin, a diagnostic and interventional radiologist who recently returned from completing a year-long vascular and interventional radiology fellowship at N. Teng Fong General Hospital in Singapore. Merchant said Dr. Goodwin received advanced hands-on training in minimally invasive techniques, including vascular access procedures, embolisation therapy, trauma interventions and modern diagnostic imaging aligned with international standards.
Cabinet members congratulated Dr. Goodwin on his successful completion of the programme and agreed that the service—if implemented—would significantly elevate the country’s medical capabilities and position the hospital for greater health tourism opportunities. Merchant called the potential development “21st-century technology being utilised” and a major advancement for the delivery of care.
The Ministry of Health and the Sir Lester Bird Medical Centre Board have been instructed to conduct a detailed technical and financial review of the proposal. Merchant said the findings will be returned to Cabinet for a final decision.
He added that Cabinet recognises the value of offering minimally invasive procedures locally, particularly in reducing the need for overseas medical travel and enhancing specialized treatment access for residents.
“As quickly as that can be done, the Cabinet will act,” Merchant said, noting the importance of fully understanding the resource and infrastructure requirements before moving ahead.
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