The government has approved plans to establish the country's first comprehensive national cardiology centre at the Sir Lester Bird Medical Centre, in a move designed to expand access to specialised heart care and reduce the need for overseas treatment.
Director General for Communications Maurice Merchant described the decision as a landmark moment for Antigua and Barbuda's healthcare system. The approved proposal marks, he said, "a major advancement in the nation's healthcare system."
The centre will be developed through a partnership with internationally recognised cardiologist Professor Jingwei Zhang and is expected to deliver advanced diagnostic and interventional cardiac services locally. Its primary goal is to eliminate the need for citizens to travel abroad for life-saving procedures.
"The primary objective is to eliminate the need for citizens to travel overseas for life-saving cardiac procedures by providing advanced interventional cardiology services within Antigua and Barbuda," Merchant said.
The facility will introduce modern capabilities to treat complex cardiovascular conditions, including coronary artery disease, heart failure, and arrhythmias. Officials say the centre will bring cutting-edge diagnostic and surgical capabilities that will significantly improve access to specialised care.
Housed at the Sir Lester Bird Medical Centre, the project will leverage the hospital's existing infrastructure to support the expansion of specialised services. Merchant noted that the initiative builds on a two-year collaboration between Antigua and Barbuda's Ministry of Health and Hangzhou Normal University in China.
Additional details on the rollout and operations of the centre will be released as the project moves toward implementation. The initiative forms part of broader government efforts to modernise healthcare services and bring more advanced treatment options within reach of patients locally.
