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Let’s make available testing supplies for diabetic senior citizens

Oct 09, 2010 Letters

Dear Editor,
Chronic diseases are taking its toll on our population and the Ministry of Health quite rightly has begun to sensitise the population about the increase in many. I would like to single out just one in light of the month dedicated to our elderly. That disease is diabetes.
I am no expert on the subject far from it. I am however, one who has suffered from the result of undetected and later unchecked diabetes.
One very important weapon in controlling this disease is to monitor the blood sugar level around mealtimes. If we accept that a healthy human being should have at least three meals per day, then one should also check the blood sugar level three times. This is where the problems begin.
The test strips used in most testing machines cost on average of $70 per strip. If a pensioner, suffering from diabetes, for example could afford three meals per day their monthly cost just to monitor their blood sugar levels would cost them ($70 x 3 x 30=$6,300 per month). Does this sum sound familiar? Please note I have not added the cost of the testing machine.
It is also impractical also from a cost and logistical perspective to seek testing from clinics or hospitals. Private pharmacies charge between $200 and $350 per test!!
Therefore I call on the Ministry of Health in collaboration with the Ministry of Human Services to make available testing supplies for diabetic senior citizens free of cost and readily available. Is this too much to demand in the month dedicated to our senior citizens? Eagerly awaiting a response from Leslie, Berry or Priya.
Everall Franklin, MP

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