Antigua and Barbuda government spent over US$76,000 on child’s medical care

The Ministry of Health, Wellness, Environment and Civil Service Affairs has reported that more than US$76,000 in direct medical costs has been provided through the Medical Benefits Scheme for a child requiring specialized care. This response follows public fundraising appeals and inquiries regarding the level of government assistance provided for the child’s condition.

According to the Ministry, the funding covered the child’s transfer to Martinique for 38 days of specialized medical treatment. Additionally, the government reportedly arranged for a neurosurgeon from Trinidad and Tobago to visit Antigua on two occasions, with costs reported at US$20,000 per visit. The Ministry noted that these expenses may be separate from the US$76,000 figure.

Medical professionals, both locally and abroad, have indicated that no further interventions are available through the treatment avenues explored. The Ministry stated that all decisions have been guided by the professional judgment of specialists and that the family has been involved in in-depth discussions regarding potential outcomes and care pathways.