In a significant advancement for Caribbean healthcare, Antigua and Barbuda has established seven comprehensive medical cooperation agreements with China’s Hangzhou Normal University. The partnership was finalized following an intensive week-long diplomatic mission led by Professor Jingwei Zhang, a distinguished medical specialist from the university’s hospital and faculty.
The breakthrough was formally announced by Director General of Communications Maurice Merchant during Friday’s post-Cabinet media briefing. Professor Zhang engaged in high-level discussions with Cabinet members after several days of strategic meetings focused on enhancing medical collaboration, driving healthcare innovation, and building capacity within Antigua and Barbuda’s health infrastructure.
The cooperation framework includes seven key initiatives: establishment of an Eastern Caribbean Chest Pain Center; specialized medical exchange programs and clinical support; implementation of telemedicine and digital health solutions; comprehensive professional training for medical staff including doctors, nurses, and technicians; and joint research programs addressing public health challenges and chronic diseases.
Additionally, the partnership encompasses diagnostic innovation and expanded collaboration in areas identified during the professor’s assessment visit. Cabinet members received an educational lecture on heart health as part of the broader cooperation discussions, highlighting the practical knowledge transfer component of the agreement.
According to official statements, this collaboration is expected to significantly enhance Antigua and Barbuda’s access to specialized medical expertise, strengthen workforce development, and support the modernization of clinical services. The timing aligns strategically with the country’s planned major health-sector upgrades scheduled for 2026.
The full details of all seven agreements will be documented in the published Cabinet notes, alongside updates on other significant healthcare developments including the forthcoming renal care center, cancer center reopening, new neurosurgery service, and comprehensive health-system reforms.