Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) and Cervical Cancer are covered on the National Health Fund’s (NHF) Card Programme.

The NHF in a statement today said this commenced yesterday and brings the number of conditions covered up to twenty-four.

It said coverage includes the Active Pharmaceutical Ingredient (API) Methylphenidate for individuals of all ages diagnosed with ADHD. 

The subsidy for the Concerta 18 milligram tablet is $174.38.

As for cervical cancer, subsidies on eight APIs used in the treatment of the condition, including Bevacizumab, Carboplatin, Cisplatin, Gemcitabine, Filgrastim, Paclitaxel injections, as well as Dexamethasone and Metoclopramide tablets are available.

The available subsidies range from $2.64  for a dexamethasone-pms tablet 0.5 mg to $96,000 for Bevacizumab 400mg/16ml injection.

Further details can be found on the NHF’s website.

Meanwhile, Chief Executive Officer of the NHF, Everton Anderson, says continuous expansion of the agency’s offers is important.

He says the NHF’s mission of improving access remains unchanged and as such it is always assessing the health landscape, considering the cost of care, and listening to the recommendations of key stakeholders in order to devise new ways to improve access, ease financial burden, and ultimately contribute to better health and economic outcomes.

Jamaican residents diagnosed with any of the 24 covered conditions may apply for a NHF card by submitting a completed application form, signed by their physician, to the nearest NHF card centre, islandwide.

Notably, with the expansion, the NHF Card Programme now provides greater support for cervical cancer prevention and management. 

Since June 2024, women aged 21 to 64 are eligible for a $1300 dollar on a pap smear test every three years, while high-risk women can access the subsidy annually.

To enhance accessibility, the NHF invites doctors and laboratories to join its provider network and help increase access points across Jamaica for pap smears. The complete list of providers is available on the website.

The NHF says it will continue to monitor its programme to enhance access to care, reduce financial barriers, and improve health outcomes