Janet Silvera, Senior Gleaner Writer

WESTERN BUREAU:

Some 1,800 asthmatics in the low-income group are to benefit from the Indies Pharma's 'Freedom from Asthma Just a Breath Away' social programme, unveiled two weeks ago by the western Jamaica local pharmaceutical company.

In keeping with its motto 'Caring for the Nation's Health', the company's president and chief executive officer, Dr Guna Muppuri, told The Gleaner that the initiative, valued at J$3.6 million, was about alleviating the pain and distress of the many Jamaicans suffering from bronchial asthma.

Indies Pharma, facilitated by 300 pharmacies islandwide, has donated its brand Salmetide (Salmeterol 25mcg + Fluticasone 125/250mcg combination) inhalers to needy people affected by the respiratory disease.

"These inhalers are to be offered to two new asthma patients per month, for the next three months," Dr Muppuri explained, adding that new patients are those who could not previously afford the medicine.

They are those who "do not have a valid National Health Fund (NHF) benefit card, are willing to enrol immediately for NHF benefits through their physicians and the pharmacists and must have a valid prescription issued by a medical practitioner".

NHF subsidy

Even after the NHF subsidy is applied, Dr Muppuri noted that the asthmatics' compromised economic status remains an uphill task and many are unable to co-pay between J$1,100 and $1,400 for the Evonhaler, the previous brand of Salmetide.

The company's efforts have been lauded by president of the Pharmaceutical Society of Jamaica, Verna Edwards.

Commenting on the initiative at her organisation's 80th anniversary conference at the Rose Hall Resort and Country Club in Montego Bay yesterday, Edwards said, "It will assist in making the drug more accessible to asthmatics who must be on good maintenance therapy."

According to Edwards, the initiative should also help to take the pressure off the accident and emergency units in the island's hospitals.

Inability

Research has shown that the majority of asthmatics in Jamaica are affected by their inability to access newer medications. Higher costs associated with the newer medications and lack of conven-tional health insurance plans make it difficult for the medicines to be accessed by the average or lesser income group communities.

"Our aim is to assist 600 asthma patients per month for the next three months," said Dr Muppuri, who noted that the 1,800 patients combined would save an estimated $5.7 million.

He said each new patient will be given one inhaler and thereafter will be able to access the product at a cost of $100 to $200 per inhaler by enrolling for NHF benefits.