Health Minister Sir Molwyn Joseph says the government will introduce national health insurance legislation in Parliament during the first quarter of 2026, describing it as a major step toward universal healthcare coverage in Antigua and Barbuda.
Speaking at the reopening of the Cobbs Cross Clinic, Sir Molwyn said consultations with the University of the West Indies on the design of the scheme have been completed, paving the way for the next phase of implementation.
“By the first quarter of next year, we’ll have legislation before Parliament in order to establish a national health insurance,” Joseph said. “Our policy is that health should be available to every citizen of this country, irrespective of their status or financial means.”
The announcement forms part of a broader government effort to strengthen healthcare delivery, including rebuilding or repairing 17 of the nation’s 23 clinics and upgrading diagnostic capacity at the Sir Lester Bird Medical Centre.
Sir Molwyn said the initiative reflects the administration’s commitment to ensuring equitable access to healthcare for all residents, while reducing financial barriers that have long affected low-income families.
The upcoming legislation, he added, will complement ongoing reforms in primary healthcare and the modernization of community clinics such as the newly reopened Cobbs Cross facility.
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How is this going to be funded? Will a new health insurance salary deduction be introduced in addition to Social Security, Medical Benefits and Education Levy?