The human resource manager of NHF, Carol Madden, looks quite radiant in red. - photos by Peta-Gaye Clachar/ Staff Photographer

The National Health Fund (NHF) is five years old and on Wednesday night, threw a dinner and awards presentation to mark the event. Held at The Jamaica Pegasus hotel in New Kingston, Prime Minister Bruce Golding was the guest speaker.

Mr Golding pledged the Government's commitment to continue to expand the NHF programme in its quest to deliver better health-care services to Jamaicans.

The prime minister noted that in the five short years of its existence, the NHF's performance has been quite outstanding as some 370,000 persons are benefiting under the programme.

Partnership

Mr Golding said the fund has also engaged the private sector in an important partnership working with over 400 pharmacies to deliver benefits to participants in the programme.

He noted, however, that the provision of drugs and access to more affordable drugs was one of the critical components of health-care delivery that needed serious attention. This coupled with an effective public education campaign to sensitise the public on healthier lifestyles and getting this message across to the schools were areas being looked into closely by the Government.

Efficiency

'The NHF has acquired and demonstrated a welcome level of efficiency in the management of the distribution of drugs because that in itself is a challenge. But the provision of more affordable drugs remains a serious challenge despite the intervention of the NHF, Mr Golding said. However, he is confident that this can be achieved.

He urged the NHF not to become complacent as despite the fact that they are catering to some 370,000 persons under the programme, this only represented 14 per cent of the population. Mr Golding noted that with improved health care, people are living longer and so there will continue to be a growing demand for the services of the NHF as the population ages.

Chief Executive Officer of National Health Fund, Raphael Barrett (right), escorts Prime Minister Bruce Golding to the fund's fifth anniversary banquet and staff appreciation ceremony at The Jamaica Pegasus hotel on Wednesday.

CEO of NHF, Raphael Barrett, points out something to Janine Finzi-Smith during cocktails.

Sharon Barrett (left), wife of the CEO of NHF, Raphael Barrett, along with Pam White (second left), Clerene Stewart and Marie Blair (right), is all smiles during cocktails at the NHF's fifth anniversary do.

Audriana Sinclair (right) of the NHF chats with her friend Judith Brissett.

The NHF posse (from left): Davina Roberts, Keron Mais, Melissa Gauntlett, Jodian Marsh and her sister Renée are all lyming during cocktails at the National Health Fund fifth anniversary banquet and staff appreciation ceremony at The Jamaica Pegasus hotel on Wednesday.

Minister of Health Hon Ruddy Spencer (centre) and Daniel Dawes (right), a director of NHF, have some interesting words for attorney Earl Melhado.