The Cabinet of Antigua and Barbuda has approved a proposal to extend public clinic opening hours into evenings and weekends, responding to widespread calls for more accessible healthcare services.
During Wednesday’s post-Cabinet media briefing, Director General Maurice Merchant highlighted the issue following a recent health fair hosted by United Hands Inc. and the Seventh‑day Adventist Church.
The event drew over 1,110 attendees in just three days — including more than 400 children — revealing significant unmet demand for dental, vision, and elderly care.
Merchant emphasised that many elderly citizens depend on family members who work conventional hours, making weekday morning clinic visits difficult.
The government believes that by extending hours into the late afternoon, evenings and potentially weekends, elderly and working families will find it easier to access necessary care — including dental, optometry, and general health services.
Tests conducted at the health fair — such as root canals, fluoride and sealant treatments for children, and vision screenings — revealed that families face both high costs and restrictive schedules when accessing services.
This has prompted the Cabinet to prioritise reforms aimed at improving service delivery.
Possible changes include:
- Extended weekday hours, into the 5 pm–8 pm range, allowing working individuals to visit clinics after office hours.
- Weekend clinic openings to ease congestion during busy weekdays and accommodate families.
- Enhanced access for elders, ensuring appointments can be scheduled at times that suit caregivers and patients alike.
These adjustments are part of a broader strategy to transition from one-off events like health fairs to consistent, accessible care standards.
The Ministry of Health will lead an operational review and present recommendations for implementing extended hours at public clinics nationwide.