Environmental, Social and Governance
Environmental, Social & Governance (ESG) represents a holistic approach to assessing an organization’s impact on the environment, its commitment to social responsibility, and the effectiveness of its governance structure.
In executing its mission, the National Health Fund (NHF) is dedicated to effectively managing the economic, environmental and socio-cultural impact of its operations on society, in keeping with its passion to be be an exemplary government entity and good corporate citizen.
The organization’s Environmental, Social and Governance Framework, provides a practical outline and reference for its employees, suppliers, customers and communities to foster socially responsible behaviour.
To this end, the organisation directs its efforts towards
- equity in the distribution of benefits
- compliance with legal requirements and ethical norms,
- efficiency in our operations,
- the protection of the environment,
- enhancing the well-being of Jamaican residents and improving the communities in which we operate
- and enhancing the well-being of the NHF staff.
Community Improvement
Through its Environmental, Social and Governance Framework the NHF is committed to improving the quality of life for Jamaicans. This commitment particularly relates to access to pharmaceuticals and medical sundries, as well as promoting healthy lifestyle in fulfilling its responsibilities to the communities in which NHF operates and the wider society. Many times doing so through the establishment of partnerships.
Building relationships with charitable organisations and provide assistance to homes of safety and infirmaries to improve access to medication and support through charitable donations.
Supporting the development of young people by facilitating valuable work experience through the NHF Internship for pharmacists as well as the Summer Employment Programme.
Commitment to the Environment
IIn support of Vision 2030 the agency has a goal to reduce its carbon footprint by 20 per cent over the next five years. A key step in this effort was the implementation of a Solar System Project, with the Drug Serv Pharmacy at the Greater Portmore Health Centre being the first to have a 12KW AC Grid-Tied Solar PV system installed. This system serves as a pilot initiative, offsetting a portion of the pharmacy’s energy consumption and demonstrating the feasibility of renewable solutions in the Agency’s operations.
Building on this success, a significantly larger 535KW PV solar system, supported by 215KW power bank batteries is being installed at the Agency’s medical warehouse. Unlike the smaller grid-tied system at Greater Portmore, this installation is designed to supply the entire warehouse’s energy needs and allow the facility to operate completely off the national grid which represents a major leap in the NHF’s renewable energy strategy.
The Agency also initiated a tree-planting project as part of its wider environmental sustainability efforts. This project saw the NHF collaborating with the public and select organisations such as the Forestry Department and the Nature Preservation Foundation (NPF), and the management of the Hope Royal Botanical Gardens.
Recognizing the critical role that recycling plays in protecting the environment, the organization is advancing initiatives that promote responsible waste management and encourage sustainable practices. Recycling bins have been installed across several locations to encourage staff to properly dispose of plastic bottles, helping to limit plastic waste, reduce micro plastics in our environment and avoid the release of toxic chemicals caused by burning plastics.
The NHF is committed to making a positive impact on the environment and the lives of Jamaicans.
Employees’ Well-Being
The NHF strives to promote a work environment that encourages safety, security, diversity, inclusion, as well as the overall well-being and professional development of staff members. It recognises the importance of and encourages healthy work-life balance for staff, by promoting healthy lifestyle practices among employees, with emphasis on healthy eating, fitness and stress management.
Stakeholder Engagement
Engaging with stakeholders is fundamental part of the NHF’s commitment to good governance. The Fund has sought opportunities to reach stakeholders to share information on the Fund, seeking insights into what improvements can be made to service offerings. Both management and the of the Board are involved when appropriate to do so.
