Petrina Francis, Staff Reporter

The launch of the A1C blood test by the National Health Fund (NHF) on Wednesday made it possible for persons living with diabetes to test their blood sugar, using a method which is regarded as the gold standard for the monitoring and management of diabetes.

The A1C test is a simple laboratory test that shows the person's average blood glucose level over the last three months, in order to determine if a person's blood glucose level is within the normal range.

It is expected to significantly improve the management and care of diabetics, in order to reduce the long-term complications and associated costs.

Speaking during the launch of the A1C test, Rae Barrett, chief executive officer of the NHF, said the programme is another good example of public and private sector partnership.

He noted that Axis-Shield, a Norwegian manufacturer, has agreed to participate and provide the NHF with their most modern testing instrument, the NycoCard Reader 11. So far, 50 instruments have been donated to the NHF.

Quick results

The NHF loans the instruments to medical practitioners and laboratories. They are then required to purchase the test kits. The results of the tests are usually available in two to three minutes.

Mr. Barrett noted that 18 providers have signed contracts with the NHF to provide the A1C test.

The NHF currently provides subsidies for drugs used to manage diabetes. Diabetics enrolled for the NHF card will be allowed two subsidised tests annually. The NHF subsidy is $300 per test.

The launch of the programme coincided with World Diabetes Day, which was observed Wednesday. The focus of the day was on children and adolescents.

Rosemarie Wright Pascoe, president of the Medical Association of Jamaica, lauded the NHF for its initiative. And Professor Errol Morrison, life president of the Diabetes Association of Jamaica, said by providing this test, the NHF has contributed to the quality of life in Jamaica.

In her remarks, Dr. Sheila Campbell-Forrester, chief medical officer of health, congratulated the NHF and its partners on the implementation of what she said was another ground-breaking initiative to reduce the prevalence of diabetes among the Jamaican population.