The Ministry of Health, Wellness, Environment and Civil Service Affairs has announced an update to its community health centre extended hours initiative, with Gray's Farm Health Centre and Clare Hall Health Centre set to begin operating from 8:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m., Monday through Friday, effective April 13, 2026.
The revised start date replaces the originally announced April 1, 2026 launch, allowing time for the completion of final logistical and operational arrangements.
The extended hours are designed to broaden access to essential primary healthcare services, particularly during evening hours. The initiative also aims to reduce unnecessary pressure on the Sir Lester Bird Medical Centre by enabling residents to receive timely care within their own communities. Patients requiring more advanced treatment will be referred appropriately, with ambulance support available where needed to ensure continuity of care.
During the extended operating period, both health centres will offer general medical consultations, acute wound care, and minor emergency care. Clinicians will also manage urgent conditions including lacerations, acute asthma exacerbations, dehydration, gastroenteritis, and uncontrolled chronic illnesses such as hypertension and diabetes.
The planned extension of hours at the Brownes Avenue Health Centre and the Villa Polyclinic will be implemented at a later date. The Ministry indicated it will release a revised timeline for those facilities once operational arrangements have been finalised.
The Ministry described the phased rollout as a measure to ensure that adequate staffing, logistics, and operational systems are firmly in place before expanding services further. It expressed gratitude to the public for their patience and reaffirmed its commitment to improving access to quality healthcare across Antigua and Barbuda.
