Heather Robinson
There isn't a Member of Parliament who has not been asked or required at some point to fill a prescription for a sick constituent. Many of these persons who are in need of this type of help are on maintenance drugs, meaning that each month they have a prescription to fill. Medications for these sick persons can range from hundreds of dollars to thousands of dollars. If this person is unemployed or retired, the ability to take the medication as prescribed is at great risk. The risk can translate into complications caused from a lack of medication and, in some cases, death.
Three years ago, the Government of Jamaica introduced the National Health Fund (NHF) to assist persons with several chronic diseases. The NHF requires that persons who have the listed illnesses enrol and receive a health card which is used to purchase the drugs which are eligible for that particular disease.
A few weeks ago, a friend of mine who was recently diagnosed with diabetes called to express her surprise at the amount she had paid for her insulin. While writing this column, I called her to get the detailed information. When I told her the purpose of my call, her response was: 'What you want me to tell you? How good and gorgeous the NHF is?' She then was able to find her receipt for a 30-day supply of 'Prodigy test strips', which showed that the test strips cost $2,090 of which the NHF paid $1,693. Her total cost was $397. She paid $23.90 for one bottle of insulin which costs $477.90. She continues to sing the praises of the NHF, which also helps to pay for her heart medication.
Better for the elderly
The NHF pays an average of 65 per cent of the cost of the eligible drugs. This initiative by the Government of Jamaica has meant that many persons, who could only fill a portion of their prescriptions, can now get the entire month's supply. The situation is even made better, when elderly persons are also able to use their Jamaica Drug for the Elderly Programme card to coordinate their benefits and reduce significantly the amount they are asked to pay.
More than 70 per cent of the cost of drugs for prostate cancer, high cholesterol, glaucoma and psychosis, and more than 66 per cent are paid for drugs for breast cancer, diabetes, epilepsy and cardiovascular diseases for persons enrolled with the NHF. These savings have had a tremendous impact on the lives of thousands of Jamaicans who are now able to buy more food, send children to school and sleep better and healthier.
Each month the National Health Fund pays out about $60 million to pharmacies on behalf of NHF members. There can, however, be even better and more savings to patients. There is the need to investigate and identify the pharmacy that offers the best price for the drug. This will result in less money coming from the pockets of those covered by the NHF. The Ministry of Health operates pharmacies called Drug Serv, and if it is convenient, please use them. Once you have found a cheaper pharmacy, spread the good news to your family and friends.
All Members of Parliament, councillors, ministers of religion, teachers, nurses and doctors who know about the National Health Fund have a responsibility to ensure that all eligible Jamaicans register with the NHF and get their benefits. Doctors working in government hospitals and clinics should be required to automatically complete enrolment forms for all eligible Jamaicans who visit their institutions. This secret to better health is one that must be shouted out loud, for all to hear, and become healthier beneficiaries.
Heather Robinson is a life underwriter and former Member of Parliament.
