Health Minister Sir Molwyn Joseph has announced a series of healthcare upgrades for the Granville Polyclinic, including plans for an in-house pharmacy, laboratory services, EKG testing and ultrasound capabilities.

Speaking at a town hall meeting in the constituency, Joseph said the Ministry of Health will expand primary healthcare services in the coming months to reduce the need for residents to travel to St. John’s for routine medical care.

“One of the first things we intend to do is to establish a pharmacy — right here in this clinic,” Joseph told residents. He noted that a similar model has already been implemented in Villa and said the goal is to allow patients to fill prescriptions within their own community.

The minister also announced plans to introduce laboratory services at the facility, enabling residents to access basic medical tests without leaving St. Philip’s North.

“We are going to establish a laboratory in this polyclinic so you can get certain basic laboratory exams done in the polyclinic,” he said, adding that strengthening primary care would help ease pressure on the main hospital.

In addition, Joseph said electrocardiogram (EKG) services will be introduced at the clinic, allowing patients experiencing chest pain or cardiac symptoms to receive diagnostic testing locally.

“If you feel you have a pain in your chest and you feel vulnerable, you don’t have to take a car and go all the way to St. John’s,” he said. “It will be done right here.”

Ultrasound services — particularly important for pregnant women — are also planned for the facility. Joseph described ultrasound as one of the most sought-after services in the healthcare system and said the addition would significantly improve maternal care within the community.

The upgrades form part of a broader effort to strengthen primary healthcare delivery across Antigua and Barbuda, the minister said.

“Health is wealth,” Joseph told the gathering, arguing that accessible community-based services are essential to improving overall public health outcomes.

He said the government will continue expanding services at the Granville Polyclinic over the coming months as part of what he described as a “major transformation” for St. Philip’s North.