NHF to offer Pap smear for women 21 and older - Jamaica Observer

Source: Jamaica Observer

KINGSTON, Jamaica -- The Ministry of Health and Wellness is pushing to have more Jamaican women get tested early for cervical cancer.

To this end, the National Health Fund (NHF) is offering a subsidy to help cover the cost of a Pap smear to all female residents of Jamaica who are 21 years and over. The subsidy to be offered is $1,300 per test in keeping with screening guidelines.

Minister of Health and Wellness, Dr Christopher Tufton made the announcement Tuesday during his contribution to the Sectoral Debate in the House of Representatives.

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

Currently, the NHF offers a subsidy for the PSA test to all male NHF cardholders 40 years and older. Tufton said the subsidy of $1,600 for a PSA test each year is now expanded to all 40 years and older male residents of Jamaica.

The new benefits on the NHF card take effect on June 10.