Caption: Dr Lackram Bodoe
THE Ministry of Health has announced that a revised Chronic Disease Assistance Programme (CDAP) took effect on October 1, 2025, introducing an updated list of medicines and a push to strengthen diagnostics as part of the Government’s Health Reform Programme.
A release on Sunday stated that Health Minister Dr Lackram Bodoe commissioned a CDAP Review Committee on June 5, 2025, to assess the programme’s clinical, operational and financial performance. The review found CDAP remains a vital public good but requires an updated drug formulary, improved diagnostics and a modernised structure to meet current medical needs.
As a result, the ministry says more than 300,000 citizens will gain access to updated, higher-quality medicines for chronic conditions. Newly added drugs include:
- Losartan potassium 50 mg (hypertension)
- Clopidogrel bisulphate 75 mg (antiplatelet therapy)
- Risperidone 2 mg (antipsychotic)
- Sertraline 50 mg (antidepressant)
- Rosuvastatin 20 mg (cholesterol management)
“The review of CDAP not only ensures safer and more effective medicines for more than 300,000 citizens, but greater access, particularly in rural communities, stronger diagnostics, and cost savings, all aimed at delivering higher quality care and greater value for the people of Trinidad and Tobago,” Dr Bodoe said.
The ministry framed the CDAP overhaul as part of a broader modernisation effort, noting that both the programme’s drug list and its operational framework are being updated to reflect current clinical standards. Further details on access points and implementation timelines for diagnostics upgrades were not provided in the announcement.
