Medicos hail move to make Insulin cheaper

VELLORE: While hailing the gesture of the State which cancelled the VAT on insulin in the recently announced budget proposal, expert medicos, patients and health activists have suggested that free glucometers and insulin at a subsidised rate should be provided to diabetics in the State. Noted diabetologist Dr Nihal Thomas of the Christian Medical College described it as a path-breaking move aimed to help around one million people depended on insulin in Tamil Nadu. “An estimated 5 million people are affected by type I and type II diabetes in the State. Tamil Nadu is known for its pro active healthcare initiatives. The government should also consider the high cost involved in checking sugar levels using the glucometer,” he added.Former Principal of CMC, Dr Jayaprakash Mulliyil noted that the State’s move on insulin was a good beginning and kind gesture in extending health care to the needy. “It is the beginning of looking at health care as a charitable enterprise and not a commercial venture,” he said. Since the majority of people in the state have a rice diet, less physical activity and changing lifestyle would therefore make them more prone to diabetes, he added.Ophthalmologist Dr Mohammed Sayee pointed out that diabetes had emerged as a major cause for blindness. “In Vellore, the incidences of diabetic retinopathy has doubled in the past decade. The state government has acknowledged the magnitude of the problems associated with diabetes,” he pointed out.