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Over 15k support petition to reduce cost of glucostrips

The manufacturing cost of a glucostrip is 5 paise while it is sold for at least Rs 25

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Dr Pradeep Gadge
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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.

HOW MUCH DO DIABETICS SPEND?

  • A patient with Type I diabetes spends at least Rs 1,000 per month on glucostrips. For some, the cost increases as per the need to check the sugar levels, some times going up to Rs 3,000
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