Top Hospitals in Antigua & Barbuda by Specialty
Summary: If you're moving to Antigua & Barbuda or recently arrived, it's important to know about the country's top hospitals for specific medical conditions. Here's a primer.
Antigua and Barbuda's healthcare system is a mix of public and private facilities, with the majority of healthcare services provided by the public sector. The country has a limited number of hospitals and medical centers, and while they offer a range of services, specialized medical care can sometimes be limited. For complex medical conditions and surgeries, such as advanced heart surgery, certain cancer treatments, and highly specialized neurology services, expats and international retirees may consider traveling to countries with more advanced healthcare systems. However, for general healthcare needs, the country's hospitals are equipped to provide quality care. It's important for expats and digital nomads to have comprehensive health insurance that covers medical evacuation in case they need to be transported to another country for specialized treatment.
Top Hospitals in Antigua & Barbuda for Heart Surgery and Chronic Heart Conditions
The Mount St. John's Medical Centre (MSJMC) in St. John's is the primary hospital in Antigua and Barbuda for heart surgery and chronic heart conditions. As the main public hospital, it offers a range of cardiac services, including diagnostics and treatment for heart disease. However, for more complex heart surgeries, patients may need to seek care overseas.
Best Hospitals for Cancer Care
For cancer care, the Mount St. John's Medical Centre is also the leading facility in the country. They provide chemotherapy and other standard cancer treatments. However, for specialized cancer care, such as radiation therapy or advanced oncology services, patients may need to travel abroad to access comprehensive treatment options.
Top Hospitals with Neonatal Intensive Care Units
Mount St. John's Medical Centre is equipped with a Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) for premature and critically ill newborns. The NICU at MSJMC is the most advanced in the country, providing essential care for newborns in need of specialized attention.
Best Hospitals for Diabetes Management
Diabetes management is a common service provided by both public and private clinics in Antigua and Barbuda. The Mount St. John's Medical Centre and the Adelin Medical Centre are two facilities that offer diabetes care, including education, monitoring, and treatment for complications associated with the condition.
Top Hospitals for Kidney Treatment and Care
For kidney treatment and care, including dialysis, the Mount St. John's Medical Centre is the primary provider. They offer hemodialysis services and have a team of nephrologists to manage kidney diseases. However, for advanced treatments like kidney transplants, patients would need to seek care outside the country.
Top Hospitals in Antigua & Barbuda for Neurology
Neurological services are available at the Mount St. John's Medical Centre, where they can handle general neurology cases. For more complex neurological conditions or surgeries, such as those requiring a neurosurgeon, patients may need to be referred to specialized centers abroad.
Best Hospitals for Stroke Treatment
Stroke treatment is provided at the Mount St. John's Medical Centre, which has the capability to manage acute stroke cases. They offer thrombolytic therapy and have rehabilitation services for post-stroke care. However, for advanced neuro-interventional procedures, patients might need to travel to a specialized facility.
Top Hospitals for Orthopedic Surgery
Orthopedic surgeries are performed at the Mount St. John's Medical Centre, which has orthopedic surgeons on staff to handle a variety of musculoskeletal issues. For specialized orthopedic surgeries, such as complex joint replacements or spinal surgeries, patients may need to seek treatment overseas.
Best Hospitals for Pediatric Care
Pediatric care is available at the Mount St. John's Medical Centre, which provides a range of services for children, including general pediatric medicine and surgery. For subspecialties in pediatrics or pediatric surgeries that are not available locally, families may need to consider medical facilities in other countries.
In summary, while Antigua and Barbuda's healthcare system can handle a variety of medical conditions, the Mount St. John's Medical Centre in St. John's is the primary hospital for most specialized care. Expats, international retirees, and digital nomads should be aware of the limitations and plan accordingly for any health issues that may require treatment beyond the scope of what is available locally.
About the Author
Betsy Burlingame is the Founder and President of Expat Exchange and is one of the Founders of Digital Nomad Exchange. She launched Expat Exchange in 1997 as her Master's thesis project at NYU. Prior to Expat Exchange, Betsy worked at AT&T in International and Mass Market Marketing. She graduated from Ohio Wesleyan University with a BA in International Business and German.
Some of Betsy's articles include 12 Best Places to Live in Portugal, 7 Best Places to Live in Panama and 12 Things to Know Before Moving to the Dominican Republic. Betsy loves to travel and spend time with her family. Connect with Betsy on LinkedIn.
Additional Information:
- Antigua & Barbuda Guide
- Healthcare & Health Insurance in Antigua & Barbuda
- Members Talk about Healthcare & Health Insurance in Antigua & Barbuda
- Best Places to Live in Antigua & Barbuda
- Guide to Real Estate in Antigua & Barbuda
- Pros & Cons of Living in Antigua & Barbuda
- Cost of Living in Antigua & Barbuda
- Best Places to See While on a Look-See Trip to Antigua & Barbuda (Plus, Itineraries)
- Moving with a Pet to Antigua & Barbuda
- Mental Health Care in Antigua & Barbuda
- Is Health Insurance Required When Moving to Antigua & Barbuda?
- Pros and Cons of Living in Antigua & Barbuda 2024