The National Health Fund (NHF) has increased subsidies on 18 cardiovascular drug items, with increases ranging from $40 to more than $200 per tablet/capsule.

These adjustments provide immediate financial relief for patients prescribed critical cholesterol-lowering and lipid-regulating medications, as well as treatments for ischaemic heart disease and hypertension, the NHF said in a press release.

According to the NHF, since the beginning of the year, the Fund has also added 11 new drug labels and increased subsidies for 207 hypertension drug items by an average of 10 per cent to 20 per cent. These strategic increases were implemented to ensure that average hypertension subsidies now cover roughly 50 per cent of the total cost of these medications, directly softening the impact of rising prices for beneficiaries, the NHF said, adding that this targeted support is vital, as hypertension remains the most prevalent chronic condition on the NHFCard programme and a primary driver of cardiovascular disease.

In March 2026, Heart Failure was added to the NHFCard programme, with over 253 medication items on the subsidy list. In addition, two important diagnostic benefits were introduced to enhance cardiovascular care. Beneficiaries can now access an annual subsidy of $7,500 for an echocardiogram and an annual subsidy of $1,750 for an electrocardiogram (ECG). These additions strengthen the National Health Fund’s commitment to improving access to early detection, monitoring, and management of cardiovascular diseases while reducing the financial burden on patients.

CEO of the NHF, Everton Anderson, said, “Cardiovascular disease remains a primary health challenge facing Jamaican families, and addressing it effectively requires a deliberate, focused approach. Our mandate has always been centered on reducing the financial barriers to critical healthcare. By continually reviewing our program and aligning our resources toward heart health and chronic disease support, we ensure that the NHF evolves to meet the real everyday needs of our population, providing sustainable relief where it is needed most.”

This continued focus on improving cardiac care is part of the NHF’s wider effort to expand support for chronic illnesses. Earlier this year, the NHF increased the number of covered conditions to 28, adding new treatments for respiratory, gastrointestinal, and cancer-related conditions. These subsidies are now available to NHFCard beneficiaries at participating private pharmacies across Jamaica.

For more information on the NHFCard programme and a full list of covered conditions, visit the NHF website at www.nhf.org.jm or contact customer care at (876) 906-1106.