Government to Expand Diabetes and Hypertension Care Access

Minister of State in the Ministry of Health and Wellness, Juliet Cuthbert-Flynn, says the Government is looking to increase diabetes and hypertension care access under the Public Private Partnership for Non-Communicable Diseases (PPP4NCDs).

The initiative, which was launched in November 2020, aims to maintain essential primary-care services for clients with diabetes and/or hypertension during the COVID-19 pandemic, by allowing them to access routine care through private physicians in their community, freeing up healthcare resources to focus on the growing number of critical cases and the pandemic response. It is being carried out with the help of the National Health Fund (NHF).

“We are currently conducting the pilot assessment, and once completed, we will bring additional private doctors on board to scale up the programme. We look forward to the advancement of this programme, as we aim to have as many Jamaicans, who need to, access the care,” said Mrs. Cuthbert-Flynn.

The Government is dedicated to ensuring that Jamaicans with diabetes and other Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs) have access to care “even as we continue to combat the current pandemic,” according to the State Minister for Health.

Mrs. Cuthbert-Flynn is encouraging persons with diabetes to enroll in the NHFcCard Programme, and the Ministry will be championing the cause of persons living with diabetes. She says the NHF will continue to provide diabetic medications and supplies.