KINGSTON, Jamaica -The National Health Fund (NHF) filled over 2,7 million prescriptions for 700,000 Jamaicans in 2024, a feat it says demonstrates improved access to healthcare locally.

The NHF offers medication access to the public through its DrugServ pharmacies, it also provides membership cards to residents affected by certain chronic illnesses through the NHFCard programme.

Last year it provided $9.1 billion in subsidies for those cardholders after processing 4.8 million claims, with the agency covering, on average, 50 per cent of medication costs. Additionally, subscriptions to the card programme increased, with 27,977 new beneficiaries, bringing the total to 350,755.

In a press release, it indicated that cardholders now have access to more cash for medication, as subsidies for over 600 drug items used to treat 13 of the 22 conditions covered under the NHFCard were increased in October.

In addition, the agency says changes to the NHF and Jamaica Drug for the Elderly Programme (JADEP) Drug Lists were implemented, including adjustments to drug limits, label names and the addition of new Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients (APIs).

The NHF also expanded benefits for screening, with the introduction of subsidies for Pap Smears. Women aged 21 to 64 are now offered a $1,300 subsidy for Pap Smear tests, promoting early detection of cervical cancer. Low-risk women are eligible for this subsidy every three years, while high-risk women can access it annually. Additionally, the subsidy of $1,600 for the PSA test was expanded to include all Jamaican men aged 40 to 75. This group can access the benefit annually to support early detection of prostate cancer.

Chief Executive Officer at the NHF, Everton Anderson, says the organisation remains focused on its mission to improve health outcomes by increasing access to necessary healthcare services and medications.
“Our work is guided by our vision of reducing financial barriers to health care, and as we continue into 2025, our priority will be to enhance our services and partnerships to better address the healthcare needs of the population,” he said.