Government of Punjab Province in Pakistan Announces Insulin Program
In a groundbreaking move for Pakistan, Punjab’s Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz has announced the launch of the “Punjab Insulin Program,” an initiative aimed at ensuring home delivery of life-saving insulin to children living with type 1 diabetes. The programme, which begins as a pilot in three districts, highlights a commitment to improving healthcare access for […]
From Sana’s Desk – Glucometer Bans
It may come as a surprise to many that visitors are prohibited from bringing glucometers into embassies in Pakistan. Similar situations may exist in other countries where security concerns lead to blanket bans on items necessary for managing diabetes during visa interviews. In Pakistan, individuals are required to leave their glucometers at home or in […]
Curbing Ultra-Processed Food
Health experts in Pakistan have called for policy measures, including increased taxes, to curb the use of ultra-processed food and sugary drinks, citing the example of Saudi Arabia which has subjected unhealthy foods to heavy excise duties. In 2019, Saudi Arabia expanded an excise tax charged on tobacco and soda to include electronic cigarettes and […]
Appeal to Religious Scholars
“Religious scholars have great respect within Pakistan society and they are listened to more than anyone else.” Masudur Rehman Kian Health experts in Pakistan have called on religious scholars to raise awareness about the harmful effects of unhealthy food. At a conference held by the Pakistan National Heart Association (Panah), the organisations president, retired Maj […]
News in Brief: Diabetes Rates by Country
Interesting data showing the top five Counties with the approximate highest rates for type 2 diabetes among the general population: ● China — over 1 billion ● India — over 1 billion ● U.S.A. — 338 million ● Indonesia — 275 million ● Pakistan — 235 million The rates are also published by country for […]
Foot Clinics in Karachi
Pakistan is setting up thirty diabetic-foot clinics in Karachi as concerns grow for the thirty-three million people living with the condition across the country that have led to increasing numbers of amputations. It is estimated that over half a million people could lose a limb due to foot ulcers and other diabetic complications. Dr Zahid […]
Pakistan – 200,000 Amputations Preventable
It was revealed at the inaugural ceremony of the National Association of Diabetes Educators of Pakistan (NADEP) in Karachi that over 200,000 amputations every year in the country are due to diabetes. Prof Abdul Basit, secretary general of the Diabetic Association of Pakistan, is urging the Government to work for the prevention of the disease […]
Sugar Tax News: Pakistan Sugar Tax Rise Proposed
Pakistan’s Ministry of National Health Services, Regulations and Coordination has recommended the Finance Ministry should raise the taxes on Sugar-Sweetened Beverages (SSB’s) including carbonated drinks in the coming budget to make them less affordable because of their health hazards. The Special Assistant to the Prime Minister on Health, Dr Faisal Sultan, has sent a recommendation […]
More News From Around The Globe: Health Levy Bill Delay
As the country with the fourth highest burden of diabetes, calls have been growing within Pakistan to stop the delays to a proposed Health Levy Bill that proposes to raise taxes on sugary drinks and tobacco. The Bill has been going back and forth between relevant ministries and the tax department. According to the International […]
News From Around the Globe Continued: A Month Without Insulin
The difficulties obtaining insulin, testing strips and medicines are not unique to the Sudanese hospital we reported about in our last issue. The stock of injections for diabetes patients has been exhausted in the Landikotal District Hospital in the Khyber tribal district of Pakistan. Hospital sources reported in the local press have claimed many people […]
Big Support for Sugar Tax in Pakistan
Meanwhile in Pakistan the National Heart Association (PANAH), in collaboration with the Pakistan Health Research Council (PHRC) conducted a poll on complex diseases and mortality caused by excessive consumption of sugary drinks. Preliminary results from Islamabad and its hinterland indicate 72 percent of people support the implementation of a soda tax to help prevent NonCommuni […]
Malaysian MPs Battle for Bigger Budget
Kuala Kedah MP Dr Azman Ismail and Jerlun MP Mukhriz Mahathir have called for bigger allocations in Budget 2021 to tackle non-communicable diseases (NCDs) such as diabetes. They claim that NCD’s cost the economy nearly RM9 billion ($2.2 billion US) and that over 1.7 million people, or 8 per cent of the adult population, have […]
NEWS FROM AROUND THE GLOBE
Pakistan – Concerns that Pakistan’s health Care system might not be able to cope with the global epidemic of diabetes have been expressed by Dr Azok Fazal Pechuho, the country’s health minister. She says Pakistan should not only focus efforts on the prevention of diabetes, but also develop science based natural remedies that can help […]