Dr. Philmore Benjamin is placing healthcare at the forefront of his campaign, outlining a plan to restructure how medical services are delivered in Antigua and Barbuda, with a focus on strengthening primary care and reducing pressure on hospitals.

Speaking during an appearance on ABS Television/Radio on Thursday morning, the Antigua and Barbuda Labour Party (ABLP) candidate for St Mary’s North said years of experience as a physician have shaped his approach to policy and governance.

“As a practicing physician for the past 30 years, I have seen a lot and I have learned a lot,” Benjamin said, adding that many of the challenges facing citizens are rooted in policy decisions.

Benjamin argued that improving healthcare outcomes begins with reinforcing the foundation of the system — community-level services. “Primary health care starts at the level of the clinics. And that is the first contact with patients,” he said.

He outlined a multi-layered approach that would expand services at village clinics while introducing polyclinics to bridge the gap between community care and hospital services. According to Benjamin, these polyclinics would provide access to diagnostic tools and specialist care that are currently concentrated at the hospital.

“We’d expect to have now some specialist services in these clinics… rather than going to the hospital maybe to get an X-ray, maybe ultrasound,” he explained.

The proposal is aimed at tackling overcrowding at the Sir Lester Bird Medical Centre by redirecting non-critical cases to lower levels of care. “To fix that, we have to fix primary health care,” Benjamin said, noting that the hospital should not function as a frontline clinic.

He also pointed to plans to expand services such as physiotherapy for elderly patients, increase home visits, and strengthen public health education, particularly around communicable and non-communicable diseases.

Beyond healthcare, Benjamin said his campaign is built on several pillars, including youth development, environmental management, elderly care and security. However, he maintained that health remains central to improving overall quality of life.

“My intention really is to improve standard of living and quality of life,” he said.

Benjamin, who has practiced medicine in St Mary’s North for more than three decades, said his longstanding ties to the community have shaped his campaign, which he described as grounded in familiarity and service.

“So far, so good,” he said of the response from voters, noting that many residents already know him through his work as a doctor.

General elections in Antigua and Barbuda are scheduled for April 30.