Call for action to stop diabetes epidemic, abolish taxes on insulin

Islamabad
A call for urgent action to stop the growing epidemic of diabetes and to abolish taxes on life-saving drug insulin was made at a unique event organised by the Alliance for Diabetes and Liver Diseases (ADLDi) here at the Nazriya-e-Pakistan Secretariat Council in F-9 Park.
A blue human circle depicting the logo of World Diabetes Day was formed by participants with the inclusion of Dr. Shoaib Suddle, celebrities like Imran Abbas and Zeba Bakhtiar, as well as families and patients of diabetes, including a large number of children with Type I diabetes.
The programme started off with a live cooking show by an expert chef from a five-star hotel, followed by an informative talk on nutrition by Dr. Salma Badruddin from Aga Khan University. Dr. Musarrat Iqbal, chairperson of ADLDi, moderated the session and explained the background of World Diabetes Day while Dr. Saleem Qureshi, head of the department of KRL Hospital, presented an overview of the impact of this epidemic in the international and local perspectives. Dr. Shoaib Suddle, the patron-in-chief, elucidated the necessity of the public-private partnership to decrease the intensity of the epidemic.
The scientific session was enhanced by eminent ophthalmologist Dr. Amir Awan, who informed the audience about eye complications of diabetes and ways to prevent those. Dr. Rana Tahir apprised the audience of the importance of adopting correct posture and being physically active despite their busy schedules. Dr. Hania, a young and bright psychiatrist threw light on psychosocial issues in children with diabetes, a very important yet neglected aspect of the disease.
In addition to the scientific programme, there was free screening for sugar, hepatitis B&C, HbA1c, BMI, Biothesiometer and BMD. A stall for demonstration on insulin pumps was also set up on the occasion. Another highlight of the event was the presence of a group of cyclists who attended the event on their bikes to promote physical activity, creating a lot of interest.
Actor Imran Abbas shared his experiences as a person caring for a mother with diabetes. The show was stolen by actress Zeba Bakhtiar who spoke from the heart and highlighted the problems that a patient with diabetes goes through in daily life. She appealed to all stakeholders in the government to abolish taxes on life-saving drug insulin and make it affordable for children.
The programme was probably the first of its kind and was greatly appreciated by all participants.