ST. JOHN’S, Antigua, Oct 28, CMC – The Antigua and Barbuda government says it has provided in excess of US$76,000 to date in direct medical costs as it sought to respond to public comments that questioned its involvement in the medical care of a child whose circumstances have prompted public fundraising appeals for overseas treatment.
Media reports say two separate appeals have been circulating, one seeking US$10,000 for treatment in Colombia and another seeking US$12,000 for treatment in Trinidad and Tobago.
“Where is the Government in all of this? What are the confirmed treatment options, and what documentation supports the proposed overseas care? These are legitimate questions that deserve clear answers,” according to the media reports.
But in a statement, the Ministry of Health said that it had taken note of the statements made in the media regarding the support or apparent lack of support for the un-named child and that it considered it “necessary to clarify the extent of its involvement and the significant resources committed thus far to the child’s care”.
The ministry said it can confirm that in excess of US$76,000 in direct medical costs have been provided to date through the Medical Benefits Scheme in support of the child’s medical care.
It said that as part of the efforts to provide specialised care, the child was flown to the neighbouring French island of Martinique, where he received specialised medical care over a period of 38 days, with the expenses covered by the government.
In addition, a specialised neurological surgeon from Trinidad and Tobago was brought to Antigua on two occasions to assist with the child’s medical care with an associated cost of USD$20,000 per trip.
It said despite these interventions and the efforts made to explore available treatment options, every medical advice received both locally and abroad indicated that no further intervention could be offered through the avenues explored.
The ministry said that while this is an “unfortunate and deeply difficult reality for the child and family, medical decisions must be guided by the professional judgement of qualified physicians and specialists, whose training and clinical experience inform their assessments of the appropriate course of care.
The ministry said it recognises the distress that accompanies a child’s serious medical condition and understands the public’s desire to assist a family facing such circumstances and that the government remains committed to treating every patient with “compassion and dignity” while ensuring that decisions concerning medical care are informed by appropriate clinical advice.
In addressing the questions raised, the ministry said it wishes to make it clear that the government has been actively involved in efforts to secure specialised care for this child from birth to present.
“Every decision, potential outcomes and likely pathways have been discussed in-depth with the family in order to ensure they are part of the process and fully understand the medical position their child is in.
“The Government’s commitment to the health and well-being of the nation’s children remains unwavering. The Ministry encourages continued compassion and support for the child and family.”
CMC/dh/ir/2026