AIIMS Delhi to provide free insulin to poor diabetic patients | Delhi News
On World Diabetes Day observed on Tuesday, AIIMS Delhi started a free insulin distribution service for poor patients who are prescribed the hormone during their treatment.
According to AIIMS Delhi officials, for all those patients who are prescribed insulin at any of the outpatient departments (OPDs) at the institute, free insulin vials will be provided to them. Patients who are admitted as well as visiting the OPD for consultation will be provided insulin free of cost, they added.
For this, AIIMS has opened two new counters at Amrit Pharmacy located in front of the New Raj Kumari Amrit Kaur OPD building. These counters will work from 9 am to 5 pm every day.
These distribution counters will also provide written advice in Hindi and English, which will be given to all patients at the time of distribution for safe transport and storage of insulin vials.
For patients who are likely to travel long distances, ice packs will be provided to safely carry insulin vials at the recommended temperature to their place of residence.
The prescribing physician will mention the number of vials to be provided to that patient, and the centre will do so.
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Dr Nikhil Tandon, Professor and Head of the Department of Endocrinology, said they decided that patients whom they treat and are provided with insulin prescriptions will be provided insulin free of cost.
“The decision has been taken in the context of the WHO (World Health Organization) guidelines which have identified five core national targets for UN member states aimed at reducing diabetes risk and ensuring that people with diabetes have equitable access to comprehensive and affordable care and prevention. One of its targets was that each person with Type 1 diabetes has continuous access to insulin under the Healthy People 2030 campaign,” said Dr Tandon, adding it is an important step towards achieving that goal.
Dr Reema Dada, Professor in charge, Media Cell, AIIMS Delhi, said initially the insulin vials will be issued for one month, which may be increased to 2-3 months of the treatment process in the future.