The Cabinet of Antigua and Barbuda has greenlit the establishment of a Dental and Eye Clinic in Codrington, Barbuda, marking a significant stride in the Government’s ongoing efforts to bolster healthcare accessibility and equity across the twin-island nation. For years, Barbudans have grappled with the arduous task of seeking dental and eye care, often necessitating costly and inconvenient trips to Antigua for procedures like extractions, fillings, and vision tests. The new clinic aims to bridge this gap by delivering essential oral and vision health services directly to the local community. This initiative is a cornerstone of the Government’s National Health Strategic Plan (2021–2025) and the Barbuda Recovery and Resilience Framework, which emphasize equitable healthcare access and the decentralization of vital social services. Additionally, the project aligns with the Sustainable Island Resource Framework (SIRF) by fostering climate-resilient, community-based infrastructure that enhances quality of life and promotes sustainable living. The clinic will be integrated within or adjacent to the Barbuda Health Centre, leveraging existing utilities, administrative resources, and security infrastructure to ensure cost-effectiveness and service continuity. Initially, a rotating team of dental surgeons and ophthalmologists from Antigua will staff the clinic, supported by local nurses and technicians. Over time, the Ministry of Health plans to roll out training programs to cultivate local expertise in basic dental and eye care. The Ministry of Health, Wellness, Environment, and Civil Service Affairs has been tasked with spearheading the project’s planning, coordination, and implementation, in collaboration with regional and international partners like the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) and the Caribbean Development Bank (CDB) to secure technical assistance, equipment, and funding. Preparatory works are slated to begin within three months, with full operationalization expected within six to eight months. A comprehensive implementation report, detailing the project’s budget, timelines, staffing, and partnership arrangements, will be submitted to Cabinet within three months. In a related move, the Cabinet also approved the construction of a helipad near the Hanna Thomas Hospital to facilitate swift patient transfers between Antigua and Barbuda, as well as the expansion of a medical laboratory and the establishment of a Blood Bank at the hospital.
