The Eastern Caribbean Cancer Centre, a critical healthcare facility in Antigua and Barbuda, has entered a new phase under private management following its acquisition by the government and sale to a North American venture capital firm for $13 million in June 2024. While the government has emphasized its commitment to ensuring the center remains accessible, the timeline for its reopening remains unclear.
Prime Minister Gaston Browne, in his 2025 Budget presentation, highlighted the importance of the Cancer Centre in addressing regional healthcare needs. “This intervention ensures that citizens will again have access to life-saving cancer treatments,” Browne said. He described the facility’s new ownership as an opportunity to enhance its capacity for advanced oncology services and its role as a regional hub for cancer care.
The Cancer Centre has historically been a critical resource for radiation therapy and other oncology treatments, serving patients from Antigua and Barbuda and across the Caribbean. Its transition to private management is expected to bring advanced technology and expertise, but the absence of a specific operational timeline has raised questions among stakeholders.
Browne acknowledged the importance of continuity in healthcare services, emphasizing that affordability and access for local residents remain a priority under the new management structure. “We have guaranteed that this facility will remain accessible to our people,” he said.
Despite assurances about the facility’s future, no clear date has been provided for the resumption of services. The delay has left patients who depend on the center for cancer care uncertain about their options. Stakeholders are calling for more concrete information about the timeline and operational framework.
The Prime Minister described the Cancer Centre as a vital component of the nation’s healthcare system but stopped short of addressing specific reasons for the delay. “This facility will serve not only our citizens but also the wider Caribbean, creating a hub for specialized cancer care,” Browne said.
The revival of the Cancer Centre comes as part of broader efforts to strengthen Antigua and Barbuda’s healthcare system. Other initiatives include the construction of a new Renal Centre, set to open in 2025, and the establishment of a modern mental health facility in Seaview Farm. The government has also announced investments in medical technology and infrastructure upgrades across the healthcare network.
“These actions are part of a comprehensive approach to addressing our country’s healthcare needs,” Browne said, framing the Cancer Centre’s sale as a step toward sustainability and regional leadership in oncology care.
While the government has expressed confidence in the new management’s ability to deliver high-quality care, the lack of clarity on the Cancer Centre’s reopening continues to overshadow its future. The center’s transformation is expected to benefit residents and patients across the region, but those awaiting treatment remain in a state of uncertainty.
“The expertise and innovation brought by the new owners will secure Antigua and Barbuda’s leadership in cutting-edge cancer treatment,” Browne said. However, until a definitive operational timeline is announced, questions will persist about the center’s ability to meet the urgent needs of cancer patients.
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