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Opposition says insulin pumps delay
causing concern Liberal Opposition Health and Community Services Critic and MHA for the District of Humber Valley, Dwight Ball, says the delay experienced in diabetic children receiving the insulin pumps promised in budget 2007 is causing concern for those waiting for this important treatment. In response to questions in the House of Assembly today from Ball, the minister confirmed that the Janeway Hospital is still in the process of identifying those under 18 who will receive the insulin pumps and supplies approved in the budget in April. The pumps will be acquired as a mass purchase once the total number of patients needing these pumps have been ascertained. "It has been over a month and half since the funding for these pumps was approved and those who may be eligible for this critical tool in the management of their disease are eagerly awaiting some progress," says Ball. "It is unfortunate that it has taken this long for government to fully implement this program which will provide this effective life-saving device to those children with Type 1 diabetes. The fact that these pumps have not even been purchased as yet means that there will be another significant delay in patients acquiring them. Questions also remain as to whether these pumps will cover all who need them and what criteria have been used to distinguish those who make the list." Ball also expressed concern for those who pass the age of 18 and who will no longer be eligible to qualify for the benefits of this program. "Once a young adult goes past a certain age, funding for these pumps will not be covered by government. These patients, many of whom will likely be post-secondary students, will be burdened with the annual cost of supplies, as well as replacing pumps that have a life-span of only four to five years. "Newfoundland and Labrador has the highest rate of this disease in Canada and we incur one of the highest personal costs to manage this health problem. Parents still pay quite a bit of money out of their pocket to help their children manage their disease, not to mention the daily stress of maintaining tight controls to ensure it is properly regulated." Ball urges government to give consideration to continuing the coverage provided by this program to allow those over 18 to access similar benefits. Preventing premature health problems as well as providing savings to the health care system will be the returns on this important investment. "In the meantime, however, it is important that this new program be fully implemented as soon as possible to allay concerns and to provide the benefits for which the program was intended."
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