Punjab launches free insulin programme for diabetic children

LAHORE: In order to facilitate young children suffering from type-I congenital diabetes, Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz on Monday formally launched “CM Insulin for Diabetes”, a free insulin programme.

CM Maryam along with Pakistan Post riders, reached the residences of young children to hand over insulin cards. She also handed over insulin, glucometer BSR strips and a box of needles to the diabetic children.

While talking to the family members of a diabetic patient, the chief minister said that she feels more concerned and worried about their children's health.

She added, “I can understand the pain and anxiety of children suffering from diabetes. Free insulin programme for young children has been launched on the genuine demand of poor parents and dire need of children.”

Under the ‘Sehatmand Punjab’ vision, the government will reach out to every child who cannot afford to buy medicine or insulin, she added.

She highlighted: “Children’s health is of foremost importance for the Punjab government. For the first time, children are being provided with glucometers and test strips along with insulin. Children are the bright future of the nation and all resources are being placed at their disposal. The rapid spread of diabetes among children is a matter of grave concern.”

The chief minister was informed in a briefing about the insulin card programme in which during the first phase, 1500 children will be provided insulin at their doorsteps under free insulin programme.

Riders of Pakistan Post will verify the insulin card by scanning on a special app. After undergoing scanning process of CM insulin card, insulin will be handed over to the patients.

It was further apprised in the briefing that under the cold chain system of Pakistan Post, the riders will go door to door and provide insulin required for three months to the children suffering from type-I diabetes.