(Quebec) Diabetics who came to the National Assembly Wednesday to demand insulin pump refunds said they were disappointed with Health Minister Christian Dubey’s response.
“We were hoping the minister would be open to the possibility, but he told us very vaguely that it’s not a government priority,” lamented Sophie St-Pierre, president of the Association Québécois des Type 1 Diabetics.
Photo by Jacques Bosinot, Press of Canada
Quebec Health Minister, Christian Dubey
“One thing diabetes associations have been told for years is that diabetes is not one of the government’s priorities. Maybe it’s time we leave some space for these diabetics who can contribute a lot to society,” he added.
Currently, it has been argued that the purchase of a pump and its accessories costs approximately $6,000 to $10,000.
He recalled that only a minor could claim a refund; If you need a pump for the first time after age 18, the costs are not covered by the Régie de l’assurance santé du Québec (RAMQ).
However, in its report released in 2022, the National Agency for Health and Social Services (INESSS) recommended extending coverage to all adults.
Photo by EDOUARD PLANTE-FRÉCHETTE, LA Press
Representatives of Quebec solitaire Vincent Marissa and Etienne Grandmont
It has been a form of injustice for a very, very long time. “Yes, yes, of course, soon,” I was not very convinced by the minister’s answer. In short, it’s an expression I’ve heard often.
Vincent Marisal, Quebec Solitaire (QS) spokesperson on health
Earlier in the day, during question time, Mr. Dubay promised to work on the file, while declaring that expanding coverage would require “much larger sums of money.”
About 60,000 Quebecers have type 1 diabetes and rely on daily insulin injections or an insulin pump, a small device that allows insulin to be injected directly into the body without the use of a syringe.
As it continues to work, the pump can control unstable diabetes, reduce the number of episodes of hypoglycemia, and make it possible to make meal times and the organization of daily activities more flexible, read on the website of the Ministry of Health.
“It is also important to (respect) the ability of Quebecers to pay. We spend more than 50 billion on health, mme President. At this time, we are sure to have demands everywhere,” the minister said.
His press secretary later clarified that according to INESSS, the need for diabetic patients would cost the government 328.8 million over five years. “We are currently working on different scenarios with more precise measurements,” said Antoine de la Durante.
One thing is certain: “This disease is serious, it’s difficult to control, and now we have the technology that allows us to do it, so I don’t see why it should be for children under 18. Rights, not adults, tax payers,” replied Mme St. Pierre.
Pascal Lemieux, spokesperson for the Quebec Association of Type 1 Diabetics, pointed out for his part that several provinces have already provided universal access to insulin pumps.
“Insulin is a very dangerous drug […] Two signatures are required for a patient to inject insulin. And when we have technology that can prevent risks, we ask the patient at home to handle it. », he was surprised.
Mr. According to Lemieux, an insulin pump is an essential tool for improving the health of people with type 1 diabetes and reducing the significant health costs associated with potential complications of the disease.
