Antigua’s Cancer Center Faces Further Delays Due to Equipment Challenges, Says PM Browne
The long-awaited reopening of Antigua and Barbuda’s Cancer Center has hit another snag, with Prime Minister Gaston Browne announcing that difficulties in procuring specialized medical equipment will push the timeline back by an additional 60 to 90 days.
The facility, currently under renovation, is being upgraded with new technology sourced from overseas, but the complex procurement process has slowed progress.
In yesterday’s parliamentary address, Browne explained that the equipment—vital for advanced cancer treatments—is not readily available and requires custom orders. “These are highly specialized devices,” he said. “You can’t just walk into a store and buy them. Orders have been placed, but delivery takes time.”
The overhaul includes replacing outdated radiation therapy machines, with the government collaborating with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) to safely dispose of radioactive materials. Health Minister Molwyn Joseph is coordinating with experts to oversee this process, as local expertise is limited.
The opposition raised questions about the center’s new ownership, pointing to a New York Times report that linked a related company to recent scrutiny. Browne confirmed the connection but emphasized that the focus remains on equipping the facility with cutting-edge technology.
No firm reopening date has been announced, adding to a series of delays that have plagued the project in recent years.
Health advocates are urging greater clarity on the ownership and the scope of services the center will offer once operational.
For now, the delay leaves cancer patients in limbo, with many locals required to travel abroad for treatment.
Government officials insist they are working to accelerate equipment installation and secure regulatory approvals to get the center up and running as soon as possible.
