NHF to provide Pap smear subsidy for women 21 and over

In an effort to encourage more women to carry out tests for cervical cancer, the Ministry of Health and Wellness, through the National Health Fund (NHF), is providing a subsidy to females 21 years and over.

In his contribution to the Sectoral Debate in Gordon House this afternoon, Health and Wellness Minister Dr Christopher Tufton said the NHF will provide a $1,300 subsidy per test in keeping with the screening guidelines.

He said the NHF is expanding its support for diagnostic tests for the early detection of cervical and prostate cancers this year.

He said all Jamaican female residents who are 21 years and over will receive the subsidy to help cover the cost of a Pap smear.

At present, the NHF offers a subsidy for prostate-specific antigen (PSA) tests to all male NHF cardholders 40 years and older.

The subsidy of $1,600 for a PSA test annually is now expanded to all male Jamaican residents 40 years and older.

Tufton says the new benefits on the NHF card will take effect on June 10, 2024.

- Edmond Campbell

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