The Government of Antigua and Barbuda in the 1970s noted the rise in the number of citizens suffering from chronic diseases. These diseases generally required long term care, and in many instances, no known cure existed. Persons suffering from these diseases were required to take medication or other forms of treatment for the rest of their lives. This often proved expensive with either the Government or the individual shouldering the burden. In 1978, the Government created the Medical Benefits Scheme to provide financial and other assistance to persons suffering from specific diseases. The diseases covered today are:
- Asthma
- Cancer
- Cardiovascular Diseases
- Certified Lunacy
- Diabetes
- Epilepsy
- Glaucoma
- Hypertension
- Leprosy
- Parkinson’s
- Sickle Cell Anemia
