The National Health Fund is reporting the addition of seven new active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs) to be used in the treatment of Arthritis and Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH).

The additions, which became effective between August 9 and September 1, 2023, are Sulfasalazine, Omeprazole, and Pantoprazole for Arthritis and Trimethoprim and Sulfamethoxazole, Ciprofloxacin, Levofloxacin, and Oxybutynin for BPH. The new ingredients are available in capsules and tablets, and have subsidies of up to $39.00 each.

As at September 1, 2023, there are 258,647 and 65,157 beneficiaries enrolled for Arthritis and BPH, respectively, some of which will benefit from the added ingredients.

Arthritis has the third highest number of beneficiaries enrolled in the NHFCard Programme, and had the second highest number of enrollments in the 2021/2022 fiscal year, covering for 14% of enrollees. BPH accounted for 3%.

“As we seek to provide our beneficiaries with a more comprehensive and effective range of treatment options, it is important that we continue to add to our benefits. By doing this, we aim to improve access to medications. This not only enhances the quality of care we can give but also ensures that our beneficiaries have greater flexibility in managing their health and well-being," Kathrine Dawson Shaw, manager, individual benefits and research.

The NHF, as motivated by its vision and strategic mandates continues to review its offers to provide more benefits to the changing health needs of the Jamaican population.