Hundreds to benefit from free NCD screenings

Hundreds of Jamaicans will continue to benefit from free screening for non-communicable diseases (NCDs) such as breast and prostate cancers, hypertension, heart disease and diabetes.

This follows the signing of contracts valued at $45 million by the National Health Fund (NHF) with the Jamaica Cancer Society, the Heart Foundation of Jamaica, and the Diabetes Association of Jamaica.

CEO of the NHF, Everton Anderson, told JIS News that "we signed those contracts to have ready access to screening services whenever we have health interventions".

This is in keeping with the entity's community outreach to promote healthier lifestyle and early detection of NCDs.

"These entities are long-term partners of the NHF, and we have been working together for many years. These contracts will enable the quick intervention of screening activities and will aid in the push against NCDs," Anderson said.

He told JIS News that the long-term partnership with the three groups has been beneficial to the population, as they have been doing a "wonderful job" in providing screening services across the island and "we expect Jamaicans to benefit from this initiative".

The NHF head said that the entity has resumed its community health fairs following a pause in activity due to the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.

He is calling for personal responsibility to combat the NCD challenge and for individuals to broaden their knowledge and "recognise that early detection is key in managing illnesses".