The government is moving to expand breast cancer screening services by installing a new mammogram machine at Sir Lester Bird Medical Centre and relocating the facility's existing unit to the Villa Polyclinic.
Director General of Communications Maurice Merchant announced the initiative at the close of Thursday's post-Cabinet media briefing, describing it as part of ongoing efforts to strengthen healthcare services across Antigua and Barbuda.
Under the plan, Sir Lester Bird Medical Centre will receive new mammogram equipment, allowing the hospital to continue providing breast imaging services uninterrupted. Once the new machine is installed, the hospital's current unit will be transferred to the Villa Polyclinic.
"As a result, government will be able to offer mammogram services both at Mount St. John Medical Centre and at the Villa Polyclinic," Merchant said.
The expansion is expected to be completed within the coming weeks. The Ministry of Health will issue a formal announcement once the equipment has been installed and is ready for use.
The addition of a second screening location is expected to significantly improve public access to mammography services, giving patients the option to receive breast cancer screenings at either Sir Lester Bird Medical Centre or the Villa Polyclinic.
