Online Desk: Evercare Hospital has launched the first-ever “Insulin Pump Clinic” in Bangladesh.

On the eve of World Diabetes Day, Evercare Hospital is expanding access to the insulin pump programme to try and improve the lives of people living with Type 1 diabetes, according to a press release.

At the announcement of the inauguration ceremony, Evercare MD and CEO of Dr Ratnadeep Chaskar, said, “Insulin pump devices and consumables will be made more available from their Hospital. There will be fewer complications; there will be a reduction in the number of hospitalisations, and all-around better health outcomes for people living with type 1 diabetes.”

Insulin pump therapy is an alternative to multiple daily injections, and the programme offers an improved quality of life for people who have type 1 diabetes.

“So starting on November 13, we are expanding the number of patients accessing pumps and consumables to nearly double the amount that are receiving them today.” said Dr Arif Mahmud, director of Medical Services at Evercare Hospital.

The inauguration of the insulin pump clinic will have a significant impact on the lives of people living with Type 1 diabetes population, the release said.

Prof Dr Sheikh Mohammad Abu Zafar, Sr consultant and Coordinator, general surgery , who is living with Type 1 diabetes and using an insulin pump himself, said in Monday’s announcement that it should reduce hospital stays and help health care in general. He said that the availability of the product will be a “game changer” for people living with diabetes. He also asked if diabetes patients generally have workplace insurance for their needs.

“A lot of the time, but I worked in extra mural before this and I’ve seen a lot of people who really, really struggle with access. Whether they’re able to get out and even pick up their medications or insulin and struggling to just find insulin pump,” said Dr. Abdul Mannan Sarker, coordinator and senior consultant, diabetology and endocrinology, Evercare Hospital.

Md Rokonuzzaman, Regional Manager, Medtronic Bangladesh Pvt Ltd also announced that continuous glucose monitoring (CGM-Guardian 4) is available in the country for people with diabetes who meet certain medical eligibility criteria.

“From the ACI point of view, this is a very positive step in the right direction. And a special thanks to Evercare Hospital Management for this great initiative. I think if we look across the country the level of public coverage for diabetes medications, devices and supplies, including insulin pumps, vary significantly improving and we’re continuing to advocate to make sure that. As we’re going to work with all the Hospitals to find ways to implement these strategies,” said Dr Rumana Dowla, head of MSD at ACI.