Beneficiaries of the Medical Benefits Scheme are being advised that the MBS administrative offices and the Nevis Street Pharmacy will operate on adjusted hours on Wednesday, July 8, and Friday, July 10, as the Exercise STRONGHOLD security drill restricts access to parts of St. John’s.
Wednesday, July 8
The MBS Administrative Offices on Nevis Street will operate from 8:00 a.m. to 4:15 p.m. The Nevis Street Pharmacy will be open from 8:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
Friday, July 10 — Delayed Start
Operations on Friday will begin significantly later. The Administrative Offices will open from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. only, while the Nevis Street Pharmacy will operate from 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. — giving beneficiaries just a two-hour window to collect prescriptions.
Use Alternative Pharmacies Where Possible
The Medical Benefits Scheme has advised that access to the Nevis Street area may be affected during both days and is encouraging beneficiaries to use other pharmacies within the MBS network where possible, particularly on Friday when the reduced hours leave limited time for prescription collection.
The adjustments are necessary due to the three-day Exercise STRONGHOLD security operation being conducted across Antigua from July 8 to 10 in preparation for the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting in November. The MBS Nevis Street offices fall within or adjacent to the designated security zone in the heart of St. John’s, where vehicular and pedestrian access will be restricted during the exercise.
The MBS joins the High Street Magistrates’ Court, the Civil Registry, and other public institutions in announcing temporary closures or reduced operations during the exercise. Management has apologised for any inconvenience caused.
Beneficiaries who require urgent prescriptions on Friday are strongly encouraged to plan ahead and, where possible, collect their medications on Wednesday or Thursday to avoid potential disruption.
