In response, the Ministry of Health Wellness, and Elderly Affairs has introduced 3d mammograms and follow-up care under universal health coverage, a move they call a major step forward.

 Universal Health Coverage is really working towards or ensuring that everyone receives the health care they need, when and where they need it, without going through financial hardship or ruin. Under universal health coverage, several services are already being offered free of charge, from maternity care and pap smears to men's health clinics and even snake bite management, but today, the spotlight is firmly on breast cancer screening.

Dr. Alisha Eugene Ford- Director of Universal Health Coverage stated, “Breast cancer is the leading cause of cancer in women, and it's the primary contributor to premature deaths in women as well. And this is why the Ministry of Health felt it was necessary, under universal health coverage, to offer that type of screening for the women. The package covers 3d mammograms, follow-up, ultrasounds, biopsies and laboratory testing at no cost to the patient. 3d mammogram services are available at Millennium Heights Medical Complex and St Jude Hospital.”

Women who want to access the service must first call their nearest Wellness Center to know what days the cancer screening clinic is being held in their community, bring a valid ID and attend the cancer screening clinic. So we offer the 3d mammogram screening. And what happens is that if there's need for follow up ultrasound you do, you can get the follow-up ultrasound as well.

Dr. Eugene-Ford also explained that advanced screening is also available, “If you have a lump and the doctor realizes that you need to do a biopsy, you can get the biopsy done as well under the universal health coverage, and also the processing of the sample to get to know whether you have cancer or not.” Universal Health Coverage began rolling out the free mammogram service in July 2025.