THE Ministry of Health this week signed a five-year contract, valued at $96.6 million, with Advanced Integrated Systems Limited (AIS), for the provision of a computerised transaction processor for the National Health Fund (NHF), expected to start in August.

The processor is required to validate transactions carried out in public and private sector pharmacies using special electronic swipe cards and will check the utilisation limit of the drug being provided and guarantee the provider ready payment by the NHF.

Minister of health, John Junor, told a press conference that when the system is fully up and running, nearly $10 million in transactions should be generated annually, making it necessary for a computerised system to ensure efficiency and effectiveness of the delivery of the benefits of the NHF.

Under the individual/pharmaceutical benefit of the NHF, more than 700,000 persons suffering from one or more illnesses will be given a specified list of medications to treat these conditions, which the ministry said should significantly reduce prices at participating pharmacies.

The list of chronic diseases covered under the NHF includes arthritis, epilepsy, hypertension, glaucoma, prostate cancer, heart disease, rheumatic fever heart disease, vascular disease, asthma, psychosis, diabetes, breast cancer and major depression.

All persons resident in Jamaica who suffer from one or more of these conditions will obtain assistance for purchasing the prescribed medications.

“Providers will be encouraged to carry out transactions with the NHF, using a computerised on-line, real time system to adjudicate claims. System acceptance of a claim assures the provider acceptance that the owner of the card is a bona-fide NHF beneficiary,” Junor explained.

The minister, who noted that the high cost of certain medication was preventing many sick persons from taking their medication, said that “when the diseases are not managed properly, it hastens the progress of the illness or medical condition resulting in disability and death”.