The number of illnesses covered by the National Health Fund (NHF) now stands at 24 as the agency expanded its reach and coverage last year by adding new screening benefits and chronic conditions.

“The NHF Card programme now serves more than 355,000 active beneficiaries, with total subsidy payments reaching approximately $10.3 billion in 2025, highlighting the growing reliance on the programme to support the health needs of Jamaicans,” the agency said in a news release on Tuesday.

“By the end of March 2025, NHF Card holders gained access to subsidies for medications used in the treatment of cervical cancer and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), providing meaningful relief to individuals and families managing long-term medical costs associated with these conditions,” added the NHF, which is a statutory agency of the Health and Wellness Ministry.

It highlighted that throughout last year it introduced new subsidies for critical screening tests.

“Electrocardiogram (ECG) was added with a subsidy of $1,750 annually for all ages, and mammogram was also added with a subsidy of $3,000 for persons aged 40–74,” the NHF said.

“These benefits were welcomed by Jamaicans as routine screening allows for earlier detection of disease, when treatment is often more effective, less invasive, and more affordable,” the release quotes Chief Executive Officer Everton Anderson.

“Cervical, breast, and prostate cancers are among the leading causes of death in Jamaica; however, all three are highly treatable when detected early,” he added.

In further strengthening cancer care support, the agency said it added 12 new active pharmaceutical ingredients used in cancer treatment to the NHF Card subsidy list in 2025.

“In addition to introducing new benefits, the NHF increased existing subsidies for pharmaceuticals used to treat six chronic conditions: arthritis, benign prostatic hyperplasia, epilepsy, Parkinson’s disease, rheumatic fever/heart disease, and sickle cell disease. Subsidies were also increased for diagnostic tests, including the PSA test now subsidised at $1,950; HbA1c testing, at $1,000; and the Breast Receptor Studies at $12,500,” the agency said.

“The expansion of the NHF Card in 2025 represents a critical step toward better health outcomes for Jamaicans,” Anderson said. “By investing in early detection, expanding coverage, and maintaining strong service delivery — even in challenging circumstances — we are fulfilling our mandate to protect lives and support a healthier nation.”

For more information, visit www.nhf.org.jm or call 876-906-1106 or 876-618-3617.

The NHFCard programme now serves more than 355,000 active beneficiaries, with total subsidy payments reaching approximately $10.3 billion in 2025.