A new Medical Benefits pharmacy will open at the Glanvilles Polyclinic on March 10, as part of efforts to expand healthcare services for residents in the eastern communities.

The development was announced during the latest Cabinet briefing, where officials said the facility will provide residents with easier access to prescription medications under the Medical Benefits Scheme.

Director General of Communications Maurice Merchant said the pharmacy will become fully operational next week.

“At the Glanvilles Polyclinic, the pharmacy there will have a fully functional pharmacy there… from the 10th of March,” Merchant said during the Cabinet briefing.

Officials said the expansion of services at the polyclinic will continue later in the month with the addition of an emergency response vehicle.

Merchant said an ambulance will also be stationed at the facility to strengthen emergency medical services for the surrounding communities.

“A couple of weeks or probably at the end of March, an ambulance will be stationed there at the polyclinic,” he said.

The move forms part of ongoing efforts by the Ministry of Health to improve access to healthcare services and emergency response capacity outside of St. John’s.

Authorities said the new pharmacy and ambulance services are expected to improve healthcare delivery for residents living in Glanvilles and nearby communities in Antigua’s northeast.