The Ministry of Health, Wellness and the Environment launched its 2025 agenda during a senior health technicians retreat yesterday, as Health Minister Sir Molwyn Joseph outlined plans to strengthen the nation’s healthcare system.
Speaking at the Sir John E St Luce Conference Centre, Sir Molwyn outlined his vision for strengthening healthcare delivery while acknowledging growing pressures on the system.
He highlighted concerning trends, including the rise in non-communicable diseases, mental health disorders and cancer cases, particularly noting their emergence among younger populations.
“2024 was a challenging year, one filled with both trials and triumphs,” Sir Molwyn told the gathering. “We celebrated significant achievements in our respective departments, but we also faced serious obstacles that tested our resilience, our creativity, and our capacity to adapt.”
The retreat brought together health officials, including Permanent Secretary Ena Dalso-Henry, Permanent Secretary Stacey Gregg-Paige, and Chief Medical Officer Dr Kamaria De Castro, who focused on planning and collaboration in healthcare delivery.
Permanent Secretary Dalso-Henry called on the technicians to use the exercise to express their thoughts on how to enhance public healthcare.
“Today is your day to say to the policymakers, this is what we think, this is what we are looking towards doing this year 2025 and beyond. I’m hoping that we can meet in this way, not just today, but if not annually, bi-annually,” she said.
Permanent Secretary Gregg-Paige emphasized the role of healthcare workers, stating: “Senior health technicians, you are the backbone of healthcare delivery in Antigua and Barbuda. Your expertise, dedication and tireless commitment ensure that our communities receive the quality care they deserve.”
Meanwhile, Sir Molwyn emphasized the government’s commitment to universal healthcare access.
“Healthcare is a human right and not a privilege. This government is irreversibly committed to that principle. When we embark on our mandate and duty to care for a patient, we are not doing that because it’s a privilege of the patients, we are doing that because that patient has a universal right to healthcare,” he explained.
The minister addressed the growing challenge of providing comprehensive healthcare with diminishing resources, particularly as Small Island Developing States face reduced international support as the new US administration shifts away from diversity and inclusivity initiatives.
“The withdrawal of financial and technical support from developed nations in critical areas such as healthcare and climate change adaptation has left Small Island Developing States like Antigua and Barbuda in an even more vulnerable position. We have been asked to do more with fewer resources,” he noted.
Sir Molwyn also called for bold thinking and innovation in addressing these challenges, emphasizing that the retreat was “not just about discussions—it is about decisions.”
