Prime Minister Gaston Browne announced the sale of the Cancer Center to a North American health entity for $13 million.
The sale, which was finalized yesterday, marks a significant development in the nation’s healthcare sector.
“We closed the sale of the Cancer Center yesterday for $13 million. This entity, involved in the health space, offers novel cancer treatments and will be providing these services here,” Browne said on Pointe FM.
He clarified that the sale involved the building, not the equipment, with the building valued at $13 million.
The new owners plan to transform the Cancer Center into an export hub for cancer treatments within the Caribbean region.
“They have some products that they’ll be exporting within the region from Antigua and Barbuda, making the Cancer Center an export product to the Caribbean,” Browne added.
Browne also highlighted Dr. Joey John’s new hospital at a cost of over $40 million. This facility aims to serve the Northeast Caribbean and beyond, complementing the Cancer Center’s services.
For locals, Browne assured that the cost of cancer treatment would remain capped.
“We have capped their treatment for locals at about $12,000 or $13,000 USD. The government will continue to subsidize these treatments, ensuring that Antiguans and Barbudans have access to affordable cancer care,” he said.
Previously, the government subsidized utilities and other services, amounting to approximately $12,000 per patient.
With the introduction of novel treatments beyond the usual radiation, the additional cost of about $1,000 USD per patient will be covered by the government.
Browne emphasized that despite the increased cost, the economic benefits from exporting services would place the government in a better financial position.
The Cancer Center, previously privately owned with the government holding a 20% equity stake, will soon reopen under new ownership. “The exportation of their services will bring significant income, positioning the government better economically even though we are paying an increased cost per patient,” Browne stated.
