WE have all, at least once, seen or heard a father, mother or relative making an impassioned plea for financial assistance so a loved one can undergo a critical medical procedure.

Even the most cynical among us might have had those pleas tug at our heartstrings, prompting us to donate or encourage others to donate if we can’t. Even then, the motivation to assist might not be the impassioned plea, but a conscious acceptance that you could one day be the person needing assistance.

So, even if you have put measures in place to ensure that you will never have to appeal for help through the media, it is probably good to know that Jamaica Observer reached out to the Ministry of Health and was informed that this Government organisation, which has a mandate to ensure the provision of quality health services and to promote healthy lifestyles and environmental practices, has a range of assistance measures available for medical treatment through programmes and its Compassionate Assistance Fund.

1. Services

For people who are not able to meet their financial obligations for a medical service such as laboratory, diagnostic (Magnetic Resonance Imaging, computed tomography scan), surgery, dialysis, medical devices, or other medical needs, the Ministry of Health provides partial assistance for the cost of the service.

Up to 50 per cent of hospital fees may also be covered, according to information obtained by Your Health Your Wealth.

The ministry said the treatment should be unavailable in the public sector, or the waiting time for service too lengthy and waiting could place the individual at risk of the condition worsening.

People who wish to access assistance through this fund are required to write to the chairman of the Compassionate Fund Committee through the Standards and Regulations Division. Requests may also be made through the minister, permanent secretary or the chief medical officer, stating their needs and why they are unable to pay.

The ministry said the letter may be written by the patient, a relative, caregiver, or other individual aware of the need. A letter from the attending physician stating the nature of the illness, the estimated cost, and where the service is to be accessed should also accompany the patient request.

A response acknowledging receipt of the request is usually sent within a week of receipt, however, the ministry pointed out that the processing time for assistance is dependent on factors such as the urgency of the situation, the availability of the service or the availability of funds, and is not standard.

2. Drugs

2. Drugs

People can also access assistance to purchase drugs that are not among the items on the Government’s Vital, Essential and Necessary Drugs list or not available in the public sector, the ministry said.

They also have to write to the ministry stating the nature of their illness and why they cannot afford to pay, as well as submit a letter from their doctor.

The ministry said requests for assistance with medications are usually handled immediately, once the products are available.

The range of illnesses/services generally sought by the public and provided, the ministry told Your Health Your Wealth, included:

• Diagnostic and lab services;

• Dialysis;

• Hospitalisation in private sector or University Hospital of the West Indies for treatment not available in the public sector;

• Medical devices (prosthesis, spinal braces);

• Pacemakers/heart conditions;

• Chemotherapy/drugs for cancer patients, drugs for other diseases;

• Other pharmaceutical drugs;

• Radiation therapy;

• Surgeries, for example scoliosis in children, among others.

3. Assistance for overseas medical treatment

3. Assistance for overseas medical treatment

The Ministry of Health said this is available to people who are in need of treatment that is not accessible in Jamaica and is operated out of the Office of the Chief Medical Officer (CMO).

People would need to write a letter to the CMO, permanent secretary, or minister, stating the request and the nature of the illness, and send a letter from their doctor stating that the treatment is not available in the island.

“We would also need letters from two government consultants giving their opinions as to whether treatment for the stated illness is available in the island,” the ministry said.

A letter is also required from the medical facility overseas, stating that they are willing to accept the person as a patient to carry out the stated treatment and the cost for said treatment.

The ministry said when the documentation is received, it will set up an interview with the relative or patient, whichever is possible, to determine the level of assistance that will be needed.

“The ministry will pay for the treatment, but may also pay for travel for the patient, and if needed, for a relative to accompany him/her,” the ministry said.

4. National Health Fund (NHF)

The NHF Individual Benefits assist people to meet the cost of prescriptions for specific illnesses. Every person living in Jamaica, and diagnosed with any of the chronic illnesses covered, is eligible this for assistance. The ministry said there is no age limit – young and old, as well as rich and poor can benefit from NHF.

Illnesses covered include: Breast cancer, prostate cancer, hypertension, ischaemic heart disease, rheumatic fever/heart disease, high cholesterol, vascular disease, diabetes, epilepsy, major depression, psychosis, glaucoma, asthma, arthritis and benign prostatic hyperplasia.

5. Jamaica Drug For the Elderly Programme (JADEP)

5. Jamaica Drug For the Elderly Programme (JADEP)

This is a public-private sector collaborative effort which was launched by the Ministry of Health in 1996. The programme is now managed by the National Health Fund and its objective is to improve access to essential drugs through payment subsidies for people suffering from 10 chronic illnesses.

The ministry said all Jamaican residents, 60 years of age and older, who have been diagnosed with one or more of the conditions covered, are eligible to enrol for JADEP membership. People can enrol for JADEP membership at any government health centre, Council for Senior Citizens or at the National Health Fund.

“They would need to take along proof of age, which can be one of the following: birth certificate, passport, driver’s license, national (voter’s) identification, senior citizen’s identification, letter from a Justice of the Peace, medical doctor or pastor, verifying age,” the ministry noted.

Illnesses covered are: Hypertension or high blood pressure, diabetes or sugar, glaucoma or pressure in the eyes, cardiac or heart disease, arthritis, asthma, vascular conditions or circulatory problems, psychotic conditions, benign prostate hyperplasia and high cholesterol.

The opportunity exists to get help, but very few of us know this. So spread the word!