New drugs, expanded services coming to CDAP

New and improved medications for cardiovascular and other chronic diseases, as well as mental health conditions, will soon be introduced under the Chronic Disease Assistance Programme (CDAP). Plans are also underway to provide advanced specialist-prescribed treatments not currently covered under the programme.

Health Minister Dr Lackram Bodoe announced the upcoming changes during yesterday’s post-Cabinet media briefing.

Following a comprehensive review, recommendations were made to modernise and improve CDAP, which currently serves 300,000 people. The programme provides free medication for 11 chronic diseases—and, more recently, mental health—through a network of 230 pharmacies.

Bodoe acknowledged challenges facing the programme, including rising costs and outdated medication options. In June, he appointed a CDAP review team to assess its clinical, operational, and financial performance, with the aim of aligning it to modern medical practices and ensuring long-term sustainability.

“Yes, CDAP is here to stay. We’re strengthening it with better medicine, greater access, and better outcomes for the public,” Bodoe said.

Key recommendations included replacing outdated and clinically inferior medications, smarter drug selection and better diagnostic procurement, improved rural access, and strengthening diagnostics.

Bodoe stressed that these changes represent a shift from a purely drug distribution model to a patient-outcome-driven system that is clinically current, cost-conscious, and operationally efficient.

On the issue of drug shortages, he said there was often a disconnect between drugs purchased and stored and their distribution to hospitals and pharmacies.

A 2015 study on supply chain problems, which was never implemented, will be updated to better match supply with demand.

CDAP costs have ranged from $52.6 million in 2021 to almost $40 million spent so far in fiscal 2025. Bodoe emphasised that the government is not trying to cut spending, as ensuring access to vital medications remains a priority.