In a major step forward to expand its efforts to promote early detection and save lives, the National Health Fund (NHF) has launched a new benefit offering annual subsidies for mammograms.

The benefit, announced at a launch at the S Hotel Kingston on Wednesday, October 22, 2025, will provide women 40 – 74 years of age with a $3,000 subsidy to assist in their access to mammograms to screen for breast cancer.

Minister of Health and Wellness, Dr. the Hon. Christopher Tufton, underscored the importance of early detection as breast cancer rates continue to rise.  He said, “We have to convince our population to use the opportunity to get screened.” 

“There are well over 1,300 new cases diagnosed each year for breast cancer and approximately 650 deaths each year.” He added that one in 21 Jamaican women is expected to be diagnosed with the disease. 

Speaking further about the new NHF benefit, Chairman of the Fund, Shane Dalling, called the initiative a significant step in improving access to preventative care. “If we focus on preventative care, we spend less than what we are spending now in the health sector,” he said. 

CEO of the NHF, Everton Anderson, noted that the rising cost of cancer care places a significant financial burden on individuals and the government alike.  “Medication alone can cost as much as $5 million,” he said, while expressing the convenience and accessibility in obtaining the NHF Card for this benefit. “It’s easy to access this mammogram benefit — all you need is your TRN. Early detection can lead to significantly lower costs when it comes to your care”, he said. 

During the launch, President of Guardian Life Limited, Meghon Miller-Brown, announced that the Guardian Group Ltd will sponsor 100 free mammograms for women in need, as part of their partnership with the Ministry of Health and Wellness and the NHF to further reduce the financial barrier and make early detection more accessible. 

Shakira Cummings, an NHFCard beneficiary in attendance at the launch, has already benefited from the subsidised mammogram. She said it made the cost of the procedure reasonable, which has turned her into an advocate, encouraging others to make use of the subsidy. 

The introduction of the mammogram subsidy underscores the NHF’s commitment to improving healthcare access. By empowering Jamaican residents to take charge of their health through early detection, the NHF continues to play a vital role in building a healthier, stronger nation.

From (L-R) Minister of Health and Wellness, Dr. the Hon. Christopher Tufton,CD, MP, Consultant Radiologist, Dr. Derria Cornwall, Chief Executive Officer of the NHF, Everton Anderson, President of Guardian Life Limited, Meghon Miller-Brown & NHF Board Chairman, Shane Dalling.

From (L-R) Consultant Radiologist, Dr. Derria Cornwall, NHF Board Chairman, Shane Dalling, Minister of Health and Wellness, Dr. the Hon. Christopher Tufton,CD, MP,  State Minister in the Ministry of Health and Wellness, Hon. Krystal Lee, Chief Executive Officer of the NHF, Everton Anderson and President of Guardian Life Limited, Meghon Miller-Brown at the Mammogram Benefit Launch on Wednesday, October 22, 2025, at S Hotel, Kingston