Antigua and Barbuda’s government expects to deploy approximately 120 newly recruited health professionals by the end of the year, a move Cabinet says will strengthen the delivery of public health services across the country.

The update was given during Thursday’s post-Cabinet media briefing following Wednesday’s Cabinet meeting, chaired by Acting Prime Minister Sir Steadroy Cutie Benjamin.

Director General of Communications Maurice Merchant said Cabinet was advised that the recruitment of the medical professionals—primarily nurses, along with doctors—has been completed.

“Cabinet noted the announcement by the Honourable Health Minister during his budget debate contributions that the government has completed the recruitment of approximately 120 medical professionals, including doctors and nurses, to reinforce and sustain the delivery of public health services across Antigua and Barbuda,” Merchant said.

He said the newly recruited personnel are expected to be fully deployed by the end of 2025.

“These medical personnel, largely comprising nurses, are expected to be fully deployed by the end of this year,” Merchant said.

Merchant said the expanded workforce will allow the government to strengthen health-care delivery while ensuring continuity of services.

“This expanded cadre of health professionals will allow the government to manage a smooth, orderly and responsible transition in certain service arrangements,” he said, adding that the process is being carried out “to ensure continuity of care and the uninterrupted provision of essential health services to the population.”

Merchant said officials from the Sir Lester Bird Medical Centre are expected to provide further details to the public regarding the arrival of the new health workers and deployment arrangements.

“The Sir Lester Bird Medical Centre will have a press briefing and will advise the public on all of the details concerning the arrival of these new health practitioners,” he said.