NHF prescription volume nears three million yearly as programme spend reaches $11.5 billion

KINGSTON, Jamaica—Annual prescriptions dispensed through the National Health Fund (NHF) have climbed from under one million in 2016 to roughly three million, reaching more than 770,000 Jamaicans, Minister of Health and Wellness Dr Christopher Tufton said Tuesday in the House of Representatives during his Sectoral Debate contribution.

Tufton said active participants in the NHFCard Programme rose from 241,897 to more than 300,000, while eligible sickness categories expanded from 15 to 28.

He put the cost of running the programme at $11.5 billion in 2026, up from $3.66 billion in 2016.

“No one can claim this Government is insensitive to the needs of Jamaicans or not responsive to sickness needs. The next phase is how do we give coverage to diagnostic support to those who need it and critical care as needed,” said Tufton.

He said the Government spent $2 billion last year on outsourced diagnostic services, in addition to what public hospitals provide.

On the long-discussed National Health Insurance Plan for Jamaica, Tufton said wide consultation had produced a Cabinet Note setting out the framework.

“The proposed initial benefits package focuses on strengthening access – integrating pharmaceuticals, diagnostic and laboratory services, and delivery through both the public and private sectors. This approach is deliberately phased: beginning with expanded drug access and progressing into high-impact services such as diagnostics and specialised care,” said the minister.