Minister Ishmael: Positive Public Response To Mobile Clinic

Over 4,000 people were assessed by the Ministry of Health and Wellness’ mobile clinic for 2025, which demonstrates its impact and importance within communities in Barbados, says Minister of State in that Ministry, Davidson Ishmael.

Speaking at a recent media launch by the Diabetes and Hypertension Association of Barbados to announce its upcoming Live Stronger, Longer Blue Wellness Conference to address non-communicable diseases, Mr. Ishmael said the mobile clinic was reaching those Barbadians who would not normally go to a polyclinic or even a private doctor to be assessed.

“[The Ministry of Health] has embarked on a strategy known as a mobile clinic. It visits many parts of this island, including schools, corporate environments, and it has gone to large events, whether it be Agrofest, or other large events and activities. I am happy to say that over the last year, in 2025, they would’ve had over 4,149 persons who were assessed within the mobile clinic.

“So 4,149 persons would’ve been assessed in circumstances where they otherwise may not have been. Why is this important? These are persons who may not have gone to a polyclinic, these are persons who may not have gone even to a private doctor for many years, but because you pop up somewhere where they are, maybe at the grounds of their workplace or perhaps at an event where they happen to be at the time, they take the opportunity to then go and get tested for diabetes or hypertension,” Mr. Ishmael stated.

Members of the public have access to free services such as routine screening for non-communicable diseases, prostate-specific antigen testing, blood pressure checks and blood sugar testing, screening for sexually transmitted infections, and breast examination and teaching, through the mobile clinic. Vaccines are not offered by the clinic.

Mr. Ishmael also disclosed that 1,075 breast examinations were done during the course of 2025 by the mobile clinic. This free service to women was crucial, he explained, noting that, in some cases, breast screening could be “an expensive endeavour”.

“In terms of women’s health this is a very important and critical part of making sure that we can see if there is anything going on and [women] can get the advice and support that they need. Some persons are not able to afford it. So, now you have a mobile clinic that will allow you to [have free breast examinations],” he emphasised.

Additionally, the clinic also conducted 648 Prostate-Specific Antigen (PSA) tests on men, which the Minister of State pointed out was important to the Ministry relative to its men’s health thrust.             

The Ministry of Health and Wellness’ mobile clinic commenced operations in February 2024. (PR/GIS)