Minister for Health, Wellness, Environment and Civil Service Affairs, Hon. Michael Joseph, has taken another significant step toward strengthening Antigua and Barbuda’s healthcare system through discussions with senior officials at Zhejiang People’s Hospital during his official visit to China.
The Minister toured the state-of-the-art medical facility, where he observed the hospital’s advanced use of artificial intelligence (AI), innovative healthcare technologies, and its strong emphasis on medical training, research, and professional development.
During the visit, Minister Joseph met with the hospital’s Vice President, Dr. Zhang Dahong, to explore opportunities for collaboration between the Ministry of Health and Zhejiang People’s Hospital. Both parties agreed in principle to establish a formal partnership aimed at enhancing healthcare services and strengthening the capacity of Antigua and Barbuda’s health sector.
As part of the proposed collaboration, Dr. Zahong, who is also a distinguished urologist, expressed his commitment to organizing a medical mission to Antigua and Barbuda. The mission would assess patients requiring complex post-operative and specialized surgical care while providing expert support to local healthcare professionals.
The proposed partnership also includes a comprehensive training and knowledge-exchange programme. Healthcare professionals from Antigua and Barbuda would have opportunities to receive specialized training at Zhejiang People’s Hospital, while Chinese medical experts would travel to Antigua and Barbuda to provide on-site training, mentorship, and technical support to local medical teams.
Minister Joseph welcomed the discussions, describing the visit as an important milestone in building international partnerships that will improve patient care, strengthen clinical expertise, and expand access to advanced medical services for the people of Antigua and Barbuda.
“This collaboration has the potential to significantly enhance our healthcare system through knowledge sharing, specialized training, and clinical support. It reflects our commitment to ensuring that the people of Antigua and Barbuda benefit from international best practices and cutting-edge medical innovation,” the Minister said.
The Ministry of Health remains committed to pursuing strategic partnerships that improve healthcare delivery, build local capacity, and ensure better health outcomes for all citizens.
This article was originally published by Antigua News Room. Read the original article here: Minister of Health Explores Strategic Partnership with Zhejiang People's Hospital During China Visit.