Doctors urge FG to subsidise insulin as prices surge to ₦25,000

Endocrinologists have urged the Federal Government to subsidise insulin and implement a policy to enhance access to the life-saving medication for Nigerians with Type 1 diabetes. The demand was made during the sixth Annual Ogun State Youth Diabetes Camp organized by the Talabi Diabetes Centre in Abeokuta. Dr Olubiyi Adeshina, the Camp Coordinator, highlighted that Type 1 diabetes occurs when the body’s immune system destroys insulin-producing cells in the pancreas, leaving individuals reliant on insulin for survival.

A vial of insulin that once cost N5,000 now sells for approximately N25,000, according to Adeshina, while some patients require two vials monthly, resulting in expenses of about N50,000 monthly, not including monitoring costs. He emphasized the severe financial burden this places on young people with diabetes and warned that untreated insulin could lead to high blood sugar levels, coma, and death.

Dr Ayotunde Ale, the Acting Director of the Centre, called for President Bola Tinubu to develop a dedicated policy for Type 1 diabetes patients, particularly children and young adults, and urged the National Assembly to address the associated challenges. Ale also addressed stigma and misconceptions surrounding Type 1 diabetes, urging parents and the public to seek medical help for children displaying symptoms rather than attributing unexplained deaths to traditional beliefs.

She called for increased involvement of NGOs and other stakeholders to support people living with diabetes. Beneficiaries of the camp received training on safe insulin administration, blood sugar monitoring, nutrition, and exercise. Participants, including Onwuegbuzie Onyekachukwu Sharon and Ekun David, emphasized the importance of the camp in learning to manage the condition and coping with the emotional and physical challenges.

Diabetes is a chronic condition characterized by insufficient insulin production or ineffective use of insulin, leading to elevated blood sugar levels.