Institute of Diabetology opened at Stanley

The new block, a three-storied building, was built at a cost of Rs 8.64 crore. The facility can treat 40 in-patients and holds equipment to conduct Hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) Test for diabetes. The facility will have around 64 staff, including diabetologists, anesthetists, ophthalmologists and surgeons.

Speaking during the inauguration, Health Minister C Vijaya Baskar noted the prevalence of the condition in the country. He said, “As many as 41.5 crore people in the world are affected by diabetes and 7.3 crore are in India. That makes it imperative for those above 30 years of age to voluntarily check their sugar levels at regular intervals for timely diagnosis.” The hospital sees as many as 900 out patients on a given day, and around 150 patients avail free medicines for type 1 diabetes. There is a similar proposal for free insulin for Type 2 diabetes. The Chief Minister’s Comprehensive Health Insurance Scheme covers a broad range of conditions associated with diabetes like diabetic ketoacidosis, hyperglycemic hyperosmolar non-ketotic coma and diabetic foot syndrome.

A preventive podiatry centre and master health check programme for diabetes are also on the anvil.

The event on Thursday also saw the launch of a campaign for diabetes care and release of a handbook creating awareness among the public about the disease. Fisheries Minister D Jayakumar presided over the event, during which a recreational centre for staff was also inaugurated at the hospital.

The Non-Communicable Diseases Intervention Programme, which began more than five years ago in the State, was aimed at timely diagnosis of hypertension and diabetes.

Till 2018, as many as 4.6 crore people were covered, out of which 20.31 lakh who were diagnosed with the condition are being monitored under the programme.