Expanding Free Insulin Distribution Programme Across KP

News Desk

Peshawar: As the number of active diabetes patients in Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa’s reached a staggering 7.5 million, the scope of the Free Insulin for Treatment of Diabetes programme should be expanded to the whole of the province, said Diabetologist Dr A.H. Aamir.

Speaking at a press conference, Dr Aamir stated that around 7.5 million people are on the edge of becoming diabetic. The Free Insulin distribution programme is presently active in 26 districts of KP, he added.

The event was held in connection with the launch of Guidelines for Management of Type B Diabetes Mellitus and Cardiometabolic Syndrome on Saturday and was organised by the Pakistan Endocrine Society (PES).

The federal government is approaching for its share in the treatment of diabetes, as a result of which the programme will be extended to the whole of the province, Dr A.H. added.

Endocrinologist Dr Aamir debunked the rumour that the province was discontinuing its Free Insulin Distribution programme. According to him, the stock was unavailable in some regions due to some procurement challenges that typically arise for government agencies in the months of June and July, but they would soon resume.

To another question, he said that free insulin distribution cannot be provided under the Sehat Insaf Card Health scheme, which only covers indoor patients’ treatment.

PES President Dr Ibrar informed that the number of diabetic patients is increasing very rapidly and most of the patients are youngsters between the ages of 20 and 40.

Young people are developing diabetes very quickly due to poor eating habits and lifestyle choices, which is concerning given the enormous number of children in our country, he added.

According to Dr Ibrar, 33 million individuals in Pakistan have diabetes and a similar number are at risk of getting the disease. Majority of patients have limited financial means and access to medical care, making prevention the best form of treatment, he further said.

President further informed that the guidelines are being launched to both doctors and patients so that easy treatment and prevention measures can be promoted among people.

PES gives prime importance to the dissemination of knowledge and updating our fellow physicians to modify their practise according to the current international standards, he remarked.

In the guidelines for type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), special emphasis has been given to developing the concept of a multi-disciplinary team for the management of diabetes, and hence chapters on nutrition, physical exercise and diabetes education have been included.