Mumbai
The manufacturing cost of a glucostrip is 5 paise while it is sold for at least Rs 25
Updated : Dec 14, 2017, 02:25 AM IST
Type I diabetic patients have to spend at least around Rs 1,000 per month on glucostrips to test their blood sugar levels. In order to reduce the price of glucostrips, a Mumbai-based diabetologist Dr Pradeep Gadge, has started a petition.
Over 15,706 citizens have signed the petition started by the doctor. An online campaign – #PriceCeilingGlucoStrips – to attract the government's attention to the high cost of glucostrips that every diabetes patient has to bear for managing blood sugar levels has received a good response.
Speaking about the current price rate, Gadge said, "The cost of per glucostrip used in a glucometer ranges from Rs 25 to Rs 30 which is a huge cost. Type I diabetes patients and Type II diabetes patients having fluctuating blood sugar levels and as a result have to check their blood sugar levels at least two to three times in a day and thus, it becomes expensive for them financially."
Mehul Thakkar's 12-year-old son Niket has been suffering from Type I diabetes. Thakkar spends Rs 3,000 per month to buy glucostrips for him. Thakkar said, "My son has to use glucostrips three to four times a day to check his blood sugar levels. I spent at least Rs 3,000 a month. If the government authority comes with a price ceiling, it will be a good idea."
The doctor will be submitting the petition to the National Pharmaceutical Pricing Authority (NPPA) of India. "The manufacturing cost of a strip is around 5 paise and it is sold for Rs 25. The government authority should put a price cap," said Gadge.