IN JAMAICA: Cheaper breast cancer tests for National Health Fund (NHF) beneficiaries.... A diagnostic test that would normally cost $10,000 will now be $4,800 per test.

BY ANIKA RICHARDS Observer staff reporter richardsa@jamaicaobserver.com  Friday, October 17, 2014  

BBREAST cancer patients registered with the National Health Fund (NHF) will now have their Breast Cancer Receptor Studies done at a reduced cost at the University Hospital of the West Indies Pathology Laboratory.

Minister of Health Dr Fenton Ferguson

A diagnostic test that would normally cost $10,000, through the latest benefit that has been added to the NHF's Individual Benefits list, will now be subsidised by $4,800 per test. The UHWI Pathology Laboratory is the only lab that provides the service locally.

Speaking yesterday at the benefit's launch at the Knutsford Court Hotel in Kingston, Minister of Health Dr Fenton Ferguson said the move by NHF marks a milestone in efforts to improve the health of Jamaicans, while managing and trying to prevent the development of cancer.

"This is important because cancer has a major impact on the health and well-being of the population in Jamaica and this does not only apply to the person who is directly affected, but it impacts on family, it impacts on children, it impacts on community, it impacts on (the) workplace..." Dr Ferguson said.

Approximately 300 Breast Cancer Receptor Studies are done yearly, the health minister noted. Of this total, 60 to 70 per cent are taken from public hospitals, he added.

Chairman of the NHF Sterling Soares said this initiative will cost the Fund an estimated $1.5 million per year. more