BEIJING, China – Antigua and Barbuda has signed seven agreements with the Ministry of Health, and Hangzhou Normal University and its affiliated hospital as the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) country takes a major step towards advancing its healthcare system.
Health Minister, Michael Joseph, (center) with Chinese officials after signing various agreementsThe agreements were signed by Health Minister, Michael Joseph, who is leading a delegation to the Asian country and that the partnership is expected to deepen collaboration in medical education, specialist healthcare, research, telemedicine, and healthcare innovation.
Joseph described the partnership as a transformative opportunity for Antigua and Barbuda’s healthcare sector.
“These agreements represent an important investment in the future of healthcare in Antigua and Barbuda. By partnering with internationally respected institutions such as Hangzhou
Normal University, we are creating opportunities to improve patient care, strengthen our healthcare workforce, and expand access to specialist medical services.”
The Comprehensive Strategic Cooperation Agreement, establishing a five-year framework for medical cooperation between the parties, while the Memorandum of Agreement for the Establishment of the Omni Care Center, which will support the development of a specialised medical facility focused on advanced diagnostics and clinical care.
The Memorandum of Agreement on the Construction of the International Internet Hospital, creates a cross-border telemedicine platform that will connect healthcare providers and patients in Antigua and Barbuda with specialists at Hangzhou Normal University.
The Memorandum of Agreement on the Use of Multi-Stream Data, establishes a collaborative public health research initiative to study health conditions and strengthen evidence-based healthcare across Antigua and Barbuda and the wider Eastern Caribbean.
Additional agreements supporting medical education, professional exchanges, research collaboration, and healthcare capacity building.
Joseph, who is being accompanied by Medical Director of the Sir Lester Bird Medical Center, Dr. Shivon Belle-Jarvis and Antigua and Barbuda’s Ambassador to the Peoples Republic of China, Clement Antonio, said the long-term benefits of knowledge sharing and professional development, said that the agreements align with the government’s commitment to improving healthcare access and outcomes for all citizens and residents.
“From telemedicine and advanced diagnostics to research and specialist training, these agreements position Antigua and Barbuda to embrace modern healthcare solutions while reducing the need for patients to travel overseas for specialized care.”
He said the collaboration is also expected to facilitate scholarship opportunities for Antiguan and Barbudan students pursuing medical education, support joint research initiatives in chronic disease management and diagnostic innovation, and promote closer cooperation between healthcare institutions in both countries.
