The Government of Antigua and Barbuda has approved a proposal to establish the country’s first comprehensive National Cardiology Center, a move expected to transform local healthcare services.

The approval was given during the cabinet meeting on March 25.

The initiative, submitted by internationally recognized cardiologist Professor Xingwei Zhang through the Minister for Health, Wellness, Environment and Civil Affairs, Molwyn Joseph, aims to deliver advanced cardiac care locally, reducing the need for citizens to travel overseas for life-saving procedures.

The plan builds on a two-year collaboration between Hangzhou Normal University, the Ministry of Health, and the Mount St John’s Medical Centre.

The center will offer state-of-the-art diagnostic and surgical services for complex cardiovascular conditions, including coronary artery disease, heart failure, and arrhythmias.

Professor Zhang, currently President of the Affiliated Hospital of Hangzhou Normal University and Director of the Hangzhou Institute of Cardiovascular Diseases, will lead the initiative. With experience in more than 20,000 percutaneous coronary interventions, he brings extensive expertise in cardiac care systems to the project.

Under the approved timeline, the center is expected to become operational by the end of the year.

Key milestones include procurement of surgical and diagnostic equipment by August, a two- to three-month installation and calibration period, and deployment of a dedicated on-site cardiology team to manage daily operations and emergencies.

A dual-presence leadership model will ensure continuous collaboration between Antigua and Hangzhou, providing ongoing access to specialized training and medical resources.
Cabinet expressed confidence that the National Cardiology Center will enhance healthcare outcomes for citizens and evolve into a leading cardiac facility within the Caribbean.

Officials said the initiative aligns with the government’s broader commitment to modernizing healthcare infrastructure and improving quality of life.