In a significant move to enhance community-based medical care, Health Minister Sir Molwyn Joseph has unveiled comprehensive modernization plans for the Granville Polyclinic during a recent constituency town hall meeting. The transformation initiative will introduce multiple advanced healthcare services previously unavailable in the St. Philip’s North region.
The development blueprint includes establishing an on-site pharmacy, enabling residents to obtain prescribed medications without traveling to distant facilities. This community pharmacy model mirrors the successful implementation already operational in Villa, demonstrating the government’s strategy of replicating effective healthcare solutions across regions.
Minister Joseph further detailed plans for integrating laboratory services within the polyclinic, allowing residents to undergo essential diagnostic tests locally. This medical laboratory will perform routine examinations, eliminating the necessity for patients to visit St. John’s for basic medical testing.
The upgrade package notably features the introduction of electrocardiogram (EKG) capabilities, providing critical cardiac diagnostic services for patients experiencing chest discomfort or heart-related symptoms. This advancement will enable immediate cardiac assessment within the community, potentially improving outcomes for time-sensitive cardiac conditions.
Additionally, the facility will receive ultrasound equipment, particularly beneficial for prenatal care and maternal health services. Joseph emphasized that ultrasound imaging represents one of the most frequently requested medical services, and its local availability will substantially elevate the standard of obstetric care in the region.
These enhancements constitute part of a broader national strategy to strengthen primary healthcare infrastructure throughout Antigua and Barbuda. Minister Joseph articulated the philosophy behind these investments, stating that accessible community-based services form the foundation of improved public health outcomes. The government intends to continue expanding medical services at the Granville Polyclinic in the coming months, characterizing the initiative as a ‘major transformation’ for healthcare delivery in St. Philip’s North.