Gareth Manning, Gleaner Writer
Health Minister, John Junor. - CARLINGTON WILMOT/FREELANCE PHOTOGRAPHER
THE GOVERNMENT expects to absorb an additional $500 million as it implements a massive increase in its subsidy on drugs and some medical supplies covered by the National Health Fund (NHF) next Tuesday, says Health Minister John Junor.
Mr. Junor said yesterday that the subsidy is to be increased to 80 per cent on November 1, and will cost the Health Ministry $495 million over the next year.
The current subsidy of 50 per cent was implemented in October, 2004.
"The increase in the subsidy to 80 per cent of the reference price of the drugs will improve the equity in the provision of pharmaceutical care in Jamaica without a doubt," Mr. Junor said during a press briefing at the Terra Nova Hotel, St. Andrew, yesterday.
UNAFFORDABLE
He said that under the current 50 per cent subsidy regime, many persons are unable to afford drugs that might be more efficient in treating their conditions." This increase in subsidy will certainly change that for more Jamaicans," added the Health Minister.
About $139 million of the total subsidy will support the purchase of diabetic supplies.
Mr. Junor said that,
with more than 400,000 diabetics in Jamaica, the increased subsidy would help control the hospitalisation and morbidity of patients.
Some 78 per cent of the health budget is spent on caring for hospitalised patients.
Rae Barrett, the NHF's chief executive officer, said that, among the diabetic equipment to be subsidised, were test strips used to measure blood sugar, needles and syringes. NHF beneficiaries will receive additional equipment for measuring blood sugar levels and insulin dosage free of charge. The cost is to be absorbed by six manufacturing and distributing partners of the NHF. Beneficiaries will be given one of the devices every two years.
