NHF adds seven new APIs to drug list

The National Health Fund (NHF) 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, 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 each.

As at September 1, 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 enrolments in the 2021-22 fiscal year, covering for 14 per cent of enrollees. BPH accounted for three per cent.

“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,” said Kathrine Dawson Shaw, manager, individual benefits and research at the NHF

“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,” she added.

The NHF, in keeping with its vision and strategic mandates, continues to review its offerings to provide more benefits to the changing health needs of the Jamaican population.