Finding Medical Care: Hospitals In Antigua And Barbuda

Antigua and Barbuda is a small collection of islands in the West Indies, a popular tourist destination known for its white sand beaches and crystal-clear waters. While most people don't associate the islands with healthcare, Antigua and Barbuda have a respectable healthcare system by Caribbean standards. The country's healthcare system is largely financed and operated by the government, with the Ministry of Health receiving funds from the Ministry of Finance. Antigua and Barbuda also benefit from cooperation with various agencies, including the World Health Organization (WHO). The country's main hospital is located in St. John's, the capital city of Antigua, and there is also a smaller hospital in Barbuda.

Antigua's healthcare system

Antigua and Barbuda's healthcare system is comprised of six medical districts, each with a district medical officer appointed to carry out medical services. The country's health centres are responsible for delivering primary healthcare, and these are located within a 3km radius of each major settlement.

The country's main hospital is the Sir Lester Bird Medical Centre, formerly known as Mount St. John's Medical Centre, in St. John's, Antigua. The hospital serves as the nation's main referral hospital, offering a comprehensive range of primary and secondary care services. It offers inpatient and outpatient care, emergency services, diagnostic imaging, and specialised treatments in areas such as cardiology, urology, ophthalmology, and more. The hospital also has a neonatal intensive care unit and an adult intensive care unit.

In addition to the main hospital, there are 25 to 26 public health clinics across the islands, ranging from dentistry to testing for non-communicable diseases (NCDs). There is also a smaller extension of the hospital in Barbuda that holds eight beds. The Adelin Medical Center, located in St. John's, is a private hospital offering general medicine, ENT, ophthalmology, obstetrics, gynaecology, paediatrics, endoscopic surgery, orthopaedics, dentistry, X-Rays, and physiotherapy. It is open 24 hours a day.

The government of Antigua and Barbuda is committed to ensuring the health and wellness of its citizens. The Ministry of Health, which governs the country's health sector, receives funds from the Ministry of Finance. The government expenditure on healthcare is 3% of the country's GDP, with the majority of funding coming from a payroll tax that sets aside revenue for the health system. The government has also implemented policies and plans to address mental health, non-communicable diseases, ageing, and health information systems.

The country's Medical Benefits Scheme provides free medication, medical services, and supplies to those with chronic non-communicable diseases. The scheme also includes prevention initiatives, particularly targeting youth, to address lifestyle-related conditions such as diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and cancer.

Mount St. John's Medical Centre

The facility provides inpatient and outpatient care, emergency services, diagnostic imaging, and specialised treatments in areas such as cardiology, urology, ophthalmology, and more. It is equipped with two large operating rooms, an Intensive Care Unit, a Neonatal Care Unit, and an Emergency Room. The centre also has an on-site pharmacy that operates round-the-clock and offers a range of support services such as spiritual therapy, social work, and bereavement support.

As one of the leading hospitals in the Caribbean region, Mount St. John's Medical Centre is dedicated to providing high-quality healthcare to its patients. It has been recognised by the World Health Organization as a Baby-Friendly Hospital for its support of breastfeeding. The centre also serves as a major teaching hospital for the University of the West Indies School of Medicine.

The history of the medical centre dates back to 1950 when it was established as a single-story building with 42 beds. Over the years, it has undergone significant expansions and modernisations. In 1972, an Intensive Care Unit, pediatric and general wards, and laboratories were added, along with a pharmacy. A major expansion project in 1978 transformed the hospital into a two-story building with 128 beds. In 2006, the hospital became a public-private institution, allowing for further advancements and the incorporation of new technologies.

Today, the medical centre continues to grow and modernise to meet the healthcare needs of its patients. It is committed to enhancing the health and well-being of its patients through compassionate care, advanced medical technologies, and continuous improvement in healthcare delivery.

Medical Benefits Scheme

Antigua and Barbuda's healthcare system is impressive, especially considering it is a small collection of islands in the West Indies. Most healthcare in Antigua is free through the Medical Benefits Scheme, which is funded by payroll tax deductions. The scheme covers 11 diseases, and beneficiaries can claim reimbursements for doctor's visits and lab tests, surgeries, and other medical procedures. The scheme also covers overseas medical treatment.

The Medical Benefits Scheme provides financial assistance and pharmaceutical supplies to qualified residents. This includes refunds for services like laboratory tests, X-rays, surgery, ultrasounds, and drugs. The MBS also provides financial, managerial, and medical support to the local hospital and health clinics. There are five locations, including the main pharmacy on Nevis Street in St. John's, and four satellite pharmacies. The scheme covers nine non-communicable diseases: asthma, cancer, cardiovascular diseases, certified lunacy, diabetes, glaucoma, hypertension, leprosy, and sickle cell anaemia.

The MBS focuses on preventative medicine, particularly through its School Outreach Programme, which promotes healthy eating and regular exercise. To register for the scheme, you must visit the Registration Department on Nevis Street with a valid passport, birth certificate, and government-issued photo ID, as well as a Social Security Card. To be eligible for benefits, you must be a registered member and have made at least six months of contributions.

Barbuda's eight-bed medical facility

The island of Barbuda, part of the twin-island nation of Antigua and Barbuda, is home to an eight-bed medical facility. This forms part of the Mount St John's Medical Centre, which is based in the capital city of St John's, Antigua. The Barbuda facility is an extension of the main hospital in Antigua, which is the most modern in the Caribbean.

The eight-bed facility in Barbuda is one of 26 community health clinics across the two islands. The country is divided into six medical districts, each with a district medical officer who is responsible for delivering medical services. The clinics are staffed by healthcare workers who use a team approach to deliver primary healthcare to citizens and residents.

The Antiguan government is committed to ensuring the health and wellness of its citizens and those of its smaller twin island. It has developed policies and plans in the areas of mental health, ageing, non-communicable diseases, and health information systems. The government has also recognised that many public health issues need to be addressed within a legislative framework. As such, it has updated legislation to regulate healthcare providers and has drafted new laws for tobacco control and food safety.

The Medical Benefits Scheme, which is paid for by a payroll tax, provides free healthcare for most people in Antigua and Barbuda. The scheme also provides free medication, medical supplies, and services for people with chronic non-communicable diseases such as diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and cancer.

The nation's healthcare infrastructure is developing, and the number of health centres is increasing. Antigua and Barbuda is also home to 25 public health clinics, which offer services including dentistry and testing for non-communicable diseases.

Antigua's pharmacies

Antigua and Barbuda is a twin island country located in the Caribbean, bordered by the Caribbean Sea and the Atlantic Ocean. The country's healthcare system consists of six medical districts, each with a dedicated district medical officer. There are 26 community health facilities in total, including one public hospital in Antigua and an eight-bed medical facility in Barbuda.

St. John's, the capital city of Antigua and Barbuda, is renowned for having the best medical facilities. The Sir Lester Bird Medical Centre, formerly known as Mount St. John's Medical Centre, is the nation's main referral hospital. It offers a comprehensive range of primary and secondary care services, including inpatient and outpatient care, emergency services, diagnostic imaging, and specialised treatments in various fields.

In addition to the main hospital, Antigua also has numerous pharmacies located across the island, with many concentrated in St. John's. These pharmacies offer a wide range of prescription medications, over-the-counter drugs, first aid supplies, hygiene products, and health and beauty items. Here is a list of some notable pharmacies in Antigua:

Ceco Pharmacy

Ceco Pharmacy is a 24-hour pharmacy located on High Street. It provides full prescription services and is open every day from 8:15 am to midnight.

Epicurean Fine Foods & Pharmacy

Epicurean Fine Foods & Pharmacy is Antigua's largest grocery store and pharmacy, located just outside of St. John's on Friar's Hill Road. It offers a wide range of products, including groceries, hot food, beverages, personal care items, baby supplies, and health and beauty products. The pharmacy is well-stocked and has helpful, well-trained pharmacists to assist customers.

Allee's Pharmacy

Allee's Pharmacy offers the widest selection of pharmaceuticals, toys, cosmetics, stationery, and gift items. They also provide counselling services and a 10% discount to senior citizens with prescriptions.

Health Care Pharmacy

Health Care Pharmacy has two locations, with its flagship store in Grand Harbour and a second store in Governor's Square, serving Seven Mile Beach and West Bay.

Avida Pharmacy

Avida Pharmacy, located in Oistins, Christ Church, caters to all pharmaceutical needs, including prescription drugs, vitamins, over-the-counter services, and consultations.

These are just a few examples of the many pharmacies available in Antigua, which play an essential role in providing convenient access to medications and health-related products to the residents and visitors of the island.

Frequently asked questions