KINGSTON, JAMAICA — The National Health Fund (NHF) has expanded its NHFCard programme to include four additional chronic conditions and increased access to key diagnostic tests, in a move aimed at improving access to treatment and early detection for thousands of Jamaicans.

According to NHF, in a media release, effective immediately, the NHFCard will now provide subsidies for the treatment of heart failure, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), bladder cancer and inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), increasing the number of covered conditions from 24 to 28.

This was announced at a launch event held on Wednesday, March 18, 2026, at the S Hotel in Kingston.

NHF said the expansion also introduces a subsidy of $7,500 once per year for echocardiograms and broadens access to prostate-specific antigen (PSA) testing.

Men aged 40 to 75 years enrolled with NHF for prostate cancer are now eligible for up to four PSA tests annually, spaced at least 90 days apart, with the existing subsidy of $1,920 per test unchanged.

Health and Wellness Minister, Dr Christopher Tufton, said the initiative represents a targeted investment in managing the country’s growing burden of chronic disease.

“Today, we are announcing additional expenditure of some $234 million of subsidies in these various categories, both for medication and diagnostics,” said Dr Tufton.

He outlined the amounts allocated for each illness — $55 million for heart failure, $60 million for COPD, $29 million for IBD and $19 million for bladder cancer.

These new inclusions are in response to the reality of approximately 117,500 Jamaicans suffering from heart failure, with hospitalisation increasing each year, and an estimated 35,625 Jamaicans living with COPD.

Dr Tufton also stated that $34 million had been reserved for the echocardiogram benefit, and $37 million for increased PSA testing. Cardiovascular disease accounts for over one-third of deaths in Jamaica, while prostate cancer is one of the leading cancer-related causes of death for Jamaican men.

The expanded diagnostic support is intended to improve early detection and disease management.

NHF Chief Executive Officer Everton Anderson said, “The 28 conditions also represent 80 per cent coverage of the main conditions defined by the World Health Organization as chronic illnesses.”

He added that, in this fiscal year, subsidies paid for medications used in the treatment of prostate cancer have surpassed the $1 billion mark for the first time in the history of the NHF, allowing 4,860 men accessing these benefits to save $260,000 on average.

He noted that with the addition of the four new conditions, the NHF has now doubled the conditions it covers since its inception.

NHF Deputy Chairman Michael Stern said the measures are expected to improve patient outcomes while reducing pressure on the public health system.

“Together, these measures represent a practical and strategic investment in earlier detection, better disease management, and ultimately, a reduction in avoidable hospitalisations and healthcare costs,” he said.

President-elect of the Medical Association of Jamaica, Dr Mindi Fitz-Henley, also spoke on the impact of the programme.

“I have personally seen patients who, before enrolling in the NHFCard programme, struggled to purchase their prescriptions,” she said. “Today, because of NHF support, they are able to manage their conditions effectively, avoid complications and live fuller, healthier lives.”

Jamaicans may access NHFCard benefits through 549 pharmacies and 220 diagnostic providers across the island.

The fund also operates 20 NHFCard centres where individuals may enrol in the programme.