Government to expand National Health Fund programme...says PM Golding

Prime Minister Golding gave the commitment as he addressed the 5th Anniversary Banquet and staff appreciation of the NHF at the Jamaica Pegasus hotel last night (Aug 20). Mr. Golding commended the previous administration, and in particular, the then Minister of Health John Junor for having introduced the programme.

He noted that in the five short years of its existence, the NHF had made outstanding contribution to national well being. He said the NHF’s performance has been quite outstanding as some 370,000 persons are benefiting under the programme. Mr. Golding said the Fund has also engaged the private sector in an important partnership working with over 400-pharmacies to deliver benefits to participants in the programme.

He noted however that the provision of drugs and access to more affordable drugs was one of the critical components of health care delivery that needed serious attention. This coupled with an effective public education campaign to sensitize the public on healthier lifestyles and getting this message across to the schools, were areas being looked into closely by the government.

‘The NHF has acquired and demonstrated a welcome level of efficiency in the management of the distribution of drugs because that in itself is a challenge. But the provision of more affordable drugs remains a serious challenge despite the intervention of the NHF’, Mr. Golding said. However he is confident that this can be achieved.

He commended the board, management and staff for the fine example of high quality public service delivery but urged the NHF not to become complacent as despite the fact that they are catering to some 370,000 persons under the programme, this only represented 14% of the population. Mr. Golding noted that with improved health care, people are living longer and so there will continue to be a growing demand for the services of the National Health Fund as the population ages.