The Ministry of Health, Wellness, Environment and Civil Service Affairs wishes to advise the public of an update regarding the previously announced extension of operating hours at community health centres.
The initiative, which was initially scheduled to commence on April 1, 2026, will now take effect on April 13, 2026, to allow for the completion of final logistical and operational arrangements.
Effective April 13, 2026, the Gray’s Farm Health Centre and the Clare Hall Health Centre will operate extended hours from 8:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m., Monday through Friday, expanding access to essential primary healthcare services for residents, particularly during the evening hours.
This initiative forms part of the Ministry’s ongoing efforts to strengthen primary healthcare delivery and reduce unnecessary pressure on the Sir Lester Bird Medical Centre, ensuring that patients can access timely care within their communities. Patients whose conditions require more advanced care will be referred appropriately, with ambulance support provided where necessary to ensure continuity of care.
During these extended hours, patients will have access to a range of services, including general medical consultations, acute wound care and minor emergency care. The clinics will also manage urgent conditions such as lacerations, acute asthma exacerbations, dehydration, gastroenteritis, and uncontrolled chronic illnesses including hypertension and diabetes.
The extension of operating hours for the Brownes Avenue Health Centre and the Villa Polyclinic, as previously announced, will now be implemented at a later date. The Ministry will provide further details on the revised timeline once operational arrangements have been finalized.
This phased approach ensures that all necessary staffing, logistical, and operational systems are in place to support the effective delivery of services during extended hours.
The Ministry of Health thanks the public for its understanding and remains committed to improving access to quality healthcare services across Antigua and Barbuda.