11/08/2026
(Government Monitoring Wellbeing of Antiguans and Barbudans Receiving Medical Care in Colombia Following Earthquake)
The Government of Antigua and Barbuda, through the Ministry of Health, Wellness, Environment and Civil Service Affairs, is closely monitoring the situation in Colombia following today’s earthquake, with particular attention to Antiguan and Barbudan nationals currently in the country receiving medical treatment.
The Government has already reached out to the hospitals providing care to patients from Antigua and Barbuda, as well as the accommodation facilities where patients and accompanying persons are staying, to ascertain their status and ensure that the necessary support remains available.
Based on the information received, the hospitals continue to provide medical services, operating with skeletal staff in the aftermath of the earthquake. Importantly, the care of Antigua and Barbuda’s patients remains uninterrupted, and arrangements remain in place for their continued medical treatment.
The accommodation facilities housing Antiguan and Barbudan patients and accompanying persons have sustained minimal to no damage and remain operational. As a result, the facilities continue to accommodate our citizens without significant disruption.
The Government is mindful that news of an earthquake in a country where loved ones are receiving medical care can understandably cause concern for families here at home. The Ministry is therefore maintaining communication with the relevant healthcare and accommodation providers and will continue to monitor developments closely.
Minister of Health, Wellness, Environment and Civil Service Affairs, the Honourable Michael Joseph, said the Government's immediate priority is the welfare of Antiguans and Barbudans receiving care overseas.
"I am pleased that based on the information received, our patients continue to receive the care they require and that the facilities accommodating our citizens remain largely unaffected. We will continue to stay in contact with our partners on the ground and will respond appropriately should circumstances change.”
The Ministry will continue to liaise with healthcare providers and accommodation facilities as information becomes available and will assess any developments that may have implications for patients receiving treatment in Colombia.
The Ministry also extends its thoughts to the people of Colombia as they respond to the effects of the earthquake and undertake the necessary emergency and recovery efforts.
The Ministry will provide further information should there be significant developments requiring public notification.
