NHF increases subsidies for four key diagnostic tests to drive early detection of NCDs islandwide

KINGSTON, Jamaica — The National Health Fund (NHF) has increased subsidies for four vital diagnostic and screening services, effective September 24. They are used in the detection and management of cervical cancer, breast cancer, diabetes and cardiovascular disease.

Representing an additional annual investment of approximately $7.76 million, the rate adjustments apply to pap smear, mammogram, electrocardiogram (ECG), and HbA1c testing to encourage early detection and align with national strategies to combat NCDs.

Beneficiaries will now benefit from subsidy increases of up to 88.5 per cent across covered services. Under the new adjustment, the pap smear subsidy moves from $1,300 to $2,450, HbA1c testing increases from $1,000 to $1,500, mammogram coverage rises from $3,000 to $3,800, and the ECG subsidy moves from $1,750 to $1,800.