The government has approved plans to establish a national cardiology centre at the Sir Lester Bird Medical Centre, in a move aimed at expanding access to specialized heart care and reducing the need for overseas treatment.
Director General for Communications Maurice Merchant described the initiative as a major step forward for the country’s healthcare system.
“The cabinet… approved a landmark proposal for the establishment of the country’s first comprehensive national cardiology center, marking a major advancement in the nation’s healthcare system,” Merchant said.
The centre will be developed through a partnership involving internationally recognized cardiologist Professor Jingwei Zhang and is expected to deliver advanced diagnostic and interventional cardiac services locally.
“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.
Officials said the facility will introduce modern capabilities to treat complex cardiovascular conditions, including coronary artery disease, heart failure and arrhythmias.
“The center will introduce cutting-edge diagnostic and surgical capabilities, significantly improving access to specialized care,” he added.
The cardiology centre is expected to be housed at the Sir Lester Bird Medical Centre, where existing infrastructure can support the expansion of specialized services.
Merchant said the project builds on a two-year collaboration between Antigua and Barbuda’s Ministry of Health and Hangzhou Normal University in China, positioning the country to strengthen its capacity in cardiac care.
Officials have indicated that additional details on the rollout and operations of the centre will be provided as the project moves toward implementation.
The initiative forms part of broader efforts by the government to modernize healthcare services and improve outcomes by bringing more advanced treatment options within reach of patients locally.