The government plans to expand access to breast cancer screening services by installing a new mammogram machine at Sir Lester Bird Medical Centre and relocating the hospital’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.

Merchant said Sir Lester Bird Medical Centre will soon receive a new mammogram machine, allowing the hospital to continue providing breast imaging services while extending access to patients at another public health facility.

He said the hospital’s current mammogram machine will be transferred to the Villa Polyclinic once the new equipment is installed.

“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.

Merchant said the expansion is expected to materialize in the coming weeks, with the Ministry of Health to make a formal announcement once the equipment has been installed and is ready for use.

The addition of a second screening location is expected to improve public access to mammography services by allowing patients to receive breast cancer screenings at either Sir Lester Bird Medical Centre or the Villa Polyclinic.

This article was originally published by Antigua News Room. Read the original article here: Government to Expand Mammogram Services with Second Screening Location.