Beyond its picturesque beaches and tropical weather, Antigua offers a range of healthcare services for residents and visitors. Keep reading as we provide insights into the Antigua healthcare system, including primary medical facilities, public and private services, and the country’s healthcare ranking.
Antigua Healthcare System
Medical infrastructure
Antigua and Barbuda offers reputable health and medical care based on Caribbean standards. Mount St John’s Medical Center is among the most hi-tech hospitals in the Caribbean region. The medical center has a smaller location in Barbuda with eight hospital beds. With investment in infrastructure, the number of health centers is set to increase.
25 public health clinics are located within six medical districts across the country, each with an official medical officer appointed to carry out healthcare treatments. Each district is three kilometers apart and provides primary care to residents within the district.
380 drug types are available in Antigua and Barbuda, which the National Drug Formulary oversees.
Diving is a popular activity in Antigua and Barbuda, but the island’s hyperbaric chamber, which was donated by the Calvin Ayre Foundation in February 2018, is currently out of service. Divers would need medical evacuation to Saba or Guadeloupe to seek decompression illness treatment.
Is healthcare free in Antigua?
Antigua healthcare is primarily free for those living in Antigua legally through the Medical Benefits Scheme. Payroll taxes fund universal health coverage in the country, including mental health treatment. The Antigua and Barbuda Ministry of Health governs the country’s health sector with funding from the Ministry of Finance.
Individuals with legal status in the country can seek emergency treatment for free, as well as treatment for illnesses such as cardiovascular diseases.
Antigua Healthcare Expenditure
Healthcare in Antigua is funded by the Ministry of Finance, which supports the country’s health and climate change goals. The government created a national strategic plan establishing special policies for mental health, non-communicable diseases, aging, and health information systems through updated legislation to regulate healthcare providers to address current health issues within a legislative framework.
The most recent figures from the World Bank show that Antigua and Barbuda spent $923.41 per capita on healthcare in 2021. The World Health Organization reported that public healthcare expenditure in Antigua and Barbuda accounted for 3.38 percent of GDP and 12.64 percent of total public expenditure.
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Antigua Health Policies
The Ministry of Health established the private-public partnership (PPP) with the Cancer Center of the Eastern Caribbean to provide quality healthcare and cancer treatment. The following plans have also been implemented:
- Non-Communicable Disease (NCDs) department, coordinated by Ms. Valarie Williams
- National Mental Health Policy
- National Policy and Plan of Action on Health Aging
Antigua and Barbuda has committed to the International Health Regulations (IHR). As an International Atomic Energy Agency member, Antigua and Barbuda can respond to radiation emergencies (core capacity 13).
Cooperation with the World Health Organization (WHO)
The Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) under the World Health Organization (WHO) assists Antigua and Barbuda by funding health projects and initiatives. The Country Cooperation Strategy established by the WHO was in effect until 2024, which agreed on strategic priorities for the WHO, including strengthening Primary Health Care (PHC) and eliminating diseases and NCDs.
Natural Disasters
Antigua and Barbuda has a history of natural disasters. While the risk of severe hurricane damage is low, major hurricanes, including Hurricane Hugo in 1989, Hurricane Jose in 1999, and Hurricane Irma in 2017, caused significant damage to the island destination.
Diseases
While natural disasters, mainly hurricanes and heavy rain, pose a risk to the island, viral diseases are not common in the nation. Tuberculosis and the HIV/AIDS viruses affect less than one percent of the total population.
12.5 percent of the population suffered from diabetes in 2021, according to data from the International Diabetes Federation (IDF), highlighting significant concerns regarding obesity and high blood pressure among the population.
Health and Mortality Rates in Antigua
Antigua and Barbuda citizens have a life expectancy of 76.9 years. Key statistics for the country’s profile regarding health issues include mental health disorders, infectious diseases, and mortality rates based on research by the WHO, the World Bank, and UNICEF.
Statistic | Rate |
Life Expectancy (2021) | 79 years old |
Infant Mortality Rate (2021) | 5 per 1,000 births |
Mortality Rate from Communicable Diseases (2019) | 59.3 per 100,000 |
Age-adjusted Mortality from External Causes (2019) | 34.5 per 100,000 |
Cancer Mortality Rate (2019) | 42.1 per 100,000 |
Mental, neurological, substance use disorders and suicide (MNSS) (2020) | 4,290 per 100,000 |
HIV infection incidence rate (2021) | 55.8 per 100,000 |
Antigua and Barbuda Medical Facilities
Antigua and Barbuda has several qualified general practitioners and specialists based at well-equipped testing clinics in major cities popular among successful applicants of the Antigua and Barbuda citizenship by investment program and in rural areas.
Most hotels and large resorts in the country have a general practitioner on staff to provide minor medical treatment to guests. Alternatively, you can find GPs, ophthalmologists, or dentists in the local telephone books, as their contact information is listed there, or through online searches.
Mount St John’s Medical Center
Mount St John’s Medical Center in the capital city is a 185-bed teaching hospital accredited by the Caribbean Medical Council Association governing Caribbean healthcare systems. Medical services provided include:
- Casualty response
- Intensive care
- Maternity and antenatal care
- Pathology
- Pharmacy
- Radiology
The hospital is fitted with advanced digital technology for child health services, including a children’s war and a special care unit for premature babies. It also has a blood bank and provides medical treatment for dialysis, nephrology, reconstructive surgery, and physiotherapy and rehabilitation.
Adelin Medical Center: Adelin Medical Center is a private hospital in St John’s. It offers various services, from general medicine, ENT, and ophthalmology to obstetrics, gynecology, and endoscopic surgery.
Fiennes Institute: The Fiennes Institute is an elderly healthcare center that provides adequate care to senior citizens and expats who retire in Antigua. The facility has 100 beds, and six wards staffed by over 20 medical professionals.
Pharmacies
Pharmacies in Antigua include:
- TMS Pharmacy in St John’s
- Dockyard Pharmacy Plus in Nelson’s Dockyard
- Val’s Supertte & Deli in St John’s
- Belmont Pharmacy and Department Store in Potters Village
Most are open from 8 am to 9 pm, Monday to Saturday.
Take a look at our Antigua and Barbuda Citizenship by Investment Ultimate Guide
Antigua and Barbuda Health Advice for Travelers and Expats
Travelers exploring things to do in Antigua and Barbuda should read the latest information on government websites regarding health and safety in Antigua and Barbuda. Those who require medication should bring sufficient supplies in their original container with the date and a signed letter from their GP.
While it increases the cost of living in Antigua, expats living in the country are advised to secure adequate health insurance. The CDC and WHO recommend the following vaccinations for travel to Antigua and Barbuda:
- Hepatitis A
- Hepatitis B
- Typhoid
- Rabies
- Meningitis
- Rubella (MMR)
- Tdap (tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis)
Frequently Asked Questions about Healthcare in Antigua
Antigua has a reputable healthcare system that has seen improved governance and sustainable financing through increased investment in public health and partnerships with international organizations such as the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO).
Most common medications are available over the counter in pharmacies in Antigua and Barbuda. However, only licensed physicians prescribe medication in Antigua and Barbuda, and individuals may be required to provide proof of their health condition to be issued prescription medication.
Due to the present risk and reported cases of the Zika virus in Antigua, pregnant women are advised against traveling to the country.
Antigua and Barbuda does not have a state-managed health insurance system. Residents can take out private healthcare policies with insurance companies like MSH International to access medical treatment at private hospitals in Antigua or pay hospitals directly with a foreign or Antigua bank card.
As a tropical country mosquitoes and other insect bites are common in Antigua. Besides mosquito related illnesses such as chikungunya and dengue fever, cases of malaria or yellow fever are rare.
Antibiotics are listed as prescription drugs in Antigua, requiring a licensed physician to prescribe them.
The Antigua tax rate for the Medical Benefits Scheme in Antigua and Barbuda is seven percent, with both the employee and employer required to contribute 3.5 percent of the employee’s gross earnings.
