In a significant healthcare advancement for eastern Antigua, the Medical Benefits Scheme has inaugurated a new pharmacy facility at the Glanvilles Polyclinic. This strategic development forms part of a broader governmental initiative to decentralize medical services and enhance pharmaceutical accessibility across Antigua and Barbuda.
The official commissioning ceremony witnessed the presence of key dignitaries including Health Minister Sir Molwyn Joseph, State Senator Michael Joseph, Medical Benefits Board Chairman Lionel Hurst, and CEO Kevin Silston. Senior technical officials from both the Health Ministry and Medical Benefits Scheme also attended the landmark event.
Minister Joseph articulated the transformative impact of this development during his address: “This pharmacy eliminates the necessity for patients to undertake arduous journeys to St. John’s or distant locations for medication. Particularly for elderly residents and those managing chronic conditions like hypertension and diabetes, this represents a substantial improvement in healthcare accessibility.”
The minister further emphasized the correlation between infrastructure expansion and workforce development, highlighting the government’s revitalization of the national pharmacy training program in 2017. This initiative has subsequently produced 30 qualified graduates, creating a robust pipeline of pharmaceutical professionals to support the nation’s expanding healthcare network.
This new facility mirrors the successful implementation of the Villa Polyclinic pharmacy in June 2025, demonstrating the government’s consistent commitment to pharmaceutical care decentralization. Communities including Glanvilles, Pares, Seatons, and Willikies will now benefit from enhanced medical access within their immediate vicinity.
The pharmacy will maintain operational hours from 8:00 AM to 3:00 PM, Monday through Friday, providing same-day pharmaceutical services to the eastern corridor population. Health officials characterize this development as a crucial step in strengthening community-based healthcare infrastructure throughout Antigua and Barbuda.