KINGSTON, Jamaica — Over 450,000 Jamaicans in the National Health Fund (NHF) Card Programme can now access increased subsidies on medication used to treat 12 of the 22 conditions covered by the fund.

The fund said claimants of the HbA1c diagnostic test will also enjoy the increase in subsidies.

Impacted by the increases are epilepsy, glaucoma, rheumatic and ischaemic heart diseases, hypertension, sickle cell and thyroid diseases, diabetes, lupus, breast and prostate cancers, arthritis, and major depression — a total of 13 or 59 per cent of the conditions covered by the NHF Card.

The boost in coverage is expected to cost the fund $269 million for the remainder of the financial year ending March 2025.

The adjustments on the subsidies come as the NHF seeks to raise its current average subsidy rate to 50 per cent.

“As a part of our commitment to greater access for our beneficiaries, the NHF through the Individual Benefits and Research Department conducts an annual review of subsidies. This is done to determine the effectiveness of the benefits provided and through increases, enhance beneficiary satisfaction. It is also our aim to improve adherence by providing more affordable medication,” Chief Executive Officer, Everton Anderson explained.

In March of last year, the fund also announced a major subsidy adjustment on over 380 pharmaceutical items, which then brought the average subsidy rate up to 47 per cent.

The NHF said it will continue to monitor the health needs of the population in order to adjust the list of benefits covered and to support the Ministry of Health & Wellness’ agenda in combating non-communicable diseases.