Health Minister Sir Molwyn Joseph has commissioned a new ambulance at the Glanvilles Polyclinic, describing it as the first vehicle in Antigua and Barbuda's emergency fleet to feature a built-in oxygen system — a development he called a major step forward in pre-hospital care.
Speaking at the official handover ceremony, Joseph underscored the significance of the upgrade. "This ambulance is the first ambulance we have in Antigua and Barbuda with a built-in oxygen system," he said. "Let me repeat that."
Beyond the oxygen system, the new unit is equipped to accommodate advanced medical technology, including heart monitors capable of transmitting patient data to hospital teams before the vehicle arrives. "So when they arrive at the emergency, the doctors are already aware of the condition of the patients," Joseph said, highlighting what he described as a critical improvement in emergency response coordination.
The ambulance has been stationed at the Glanvilles Polyclinic to serve communities across the Eastern Corridor — an area the minister said had long been underserved due to the requirement for emergency vehicles to travel from St John's. "We had a situation that was just not acceptable," Joseph said. "The Eastern Corridor of this country is at risk more than the rest of the country because it requires ambulance to travel from St John's."
The dedicated placement is expected to significantly reduce response times for communities including Glanvilles, Willikies, and surrounding areas. "Every minute counts. Every second counts when you're responding to an emergency," the minister said.
Joseph credited the Prime Minister for making funds available to acquire the vehicle and framed the deployment as a reflection of the government's commitment to closing gaps in healthcare access. "We are here this morning because the Ministry of Health takes no pause in executing its duty," he said. "To delay is to leave the people of these parts at greater risk."
The minister described the commissioning as part of a broader initiative to modernise emergency medical services nationwide, with underserved areas being prioritised first. "These are the types of modern, up-to-date technological things we need to introduce in Antigua and Barbuda, and we can start with this ambulance," he said.
Joseph also indicated that the Glanvilles facility is set for further operational improvements once services currently based there are transitioned back to All Saints — a move he said is nearing completion. The freed-up space, he added, will improve working conditions for staff and enhance service delivery for patients. "When we do that, the functions of Glanvilles Clinic will see dramatic improvement," he said.
The ambulance was formally handed over during the ceremony and is expected to be placed into immediate service.
