Dr. Reddy’s donates US$215,000 in drugs for hurricane recovery to be distributed by NHF

Pharmaceutical company Dr Reddy’s Laboratory has donated essential medication valued at US$215,000 to support Jamaica’s response to Hurricane Melissa. The National Health Fund (NHF) is the recipient of the donation, which was officially handed over on Tuesday, November 25, 2025, at the NHF Head Office in New Kingston.

The medications donated, including antibiotics, nutritional supplements and medications to treat chronic illnesses, total 42,500 packages and include capsules, tablets and syrups that will be distributed by the NHF as it serves the parishes most affected by Hurricane Melissa.

Minister of Health and Wellness, Dr. the Hon. Christopher Tufton, expressed gratitude for the contribution. “Dr Reddy’s has been a partner in public health for some time,” he acknowledged. “You’re no stranger to the NHF, Jamaica or the Jamaican people. You have created significant value in the pursuit of wellness and healing. So, this is timely and demonstrates the relationship and the social conscience that you possess beyond your corporate mission to give back in times of need to the people of Jamaica.”

Dr. Tufton also said, “The NHF has risen to the occasion in terms of creating alternative approaches to getting medication to the population, and the people are very grateful.”

Since the passage of Hurricane Melissa, the NHF has remained committed to ensuring access to medication across Jamaica as it has expanded its mobile pharmacy services to reach as many as 60 communities, many of them in remote areas.

Everton Anderson, Chief Executive Officer of the NHF, said, “This donation will go a long way in Jamaica’s recovery. The NHF was among the first agencies to go out into the field after the hurricane to serve our patients, and it is truly a joy to support so many.”

Minister of Health and Wellness, Dr. the Hon. Christopher Tufton (third left), along with (From L-R) Country Head and Director of Dr. Reddy’s Laboratories, Preetdarshi Patnaik; First Secretary at the High Commission of India in Jamaica, Yash Pal Singh; and Chief Executive Officer of the National Health Fund (NHF), Everton Anderson at the official handover ceremony for donation by Dr. Reddy’s Laboratories to support hurricane recovery efforts at the handover ceremony on November 25, at the NHF Head office in New Kingston.

“We are grateful to have these medications as we continue to serve a large number of patients, and we extend heartfelt thanks to Dr. Reddy’s Laboratories and our long-standing partner for their continued support”, he added.

In representing the High Commission of India, First Secretary Yash Pal Singh stated that the contribution is a gesture of friendship and solidarity from the people of India. He said, “This ceremony is much more than the transfer of medical supplies; it is a confirmation of our longstanding relationship with India and the Jamaican people, grounded in trust, cooperation, and shared human values. The response today by Dr Reddy’s Laboratories reflects not only their corporate commitment but also their humanitarian spirit.”

Over 90% of the NHF’s public-sector pharmacies have resumed filling prescriptions, and with support from partners like Dr Reddy’s Laboratory, the NHF is better positioned to meet the increased demand for essential medications. This donation will bolster ongoing relief efforts and help ensure that Jamaicans—especially those in severely impacted communities—continue to receive the care and treatment as the nation works toward full recovery.

Some of the medication donated by Dr Reddy’s Laboratories to support hurricane recovery efforts are being displayed at the handover ceremony on November 25, at the NHF Head office in New Kingston.