Rajiv Gandhi Government General Hospital (GH) will soon open a counter to sell insulin and immunosuppressant drugs at prices well below the market rate.
Type 2 diabetics may purchase insulin vials at this counter. .
“As of now, the government is providing free insulin vials for Type I diabetics. At GH alone, more than 400 Type 1 diabetics have been registered. This counter is aimed at providing insulin to non-insulin dependent diabetics, that is type II diabetics, who will require temporary shots to control their sugar levels. All four types of human insulin will be sold here,” dean of GH and director of medical education, V. Kanagasabai, said.
Some persons with diabetes who are on medication might require insulin for short periods due to stress, infections or high blood pressure, he said. “People belonging to lower- and middle-income groups might find it difficult to buy insulin outside.”
The counter, which is coming up on a 200-square feet area near the out-patient department, has been set up as per standards mandated by the drugs controller and will be run through the Tamil Nadu Medical Services Corporation. “It has been fully air-conditioned. We have applied for a licence from the directorate of drugs control. We have also appointed a pharmacist,” he said.
In addition to insulin, the counter will also sell immunosuppressant drugs for renal transplant patients that will help them tolerate the transplanted organs. Dr. Kanagasabai said there were about three to four such drugs, which were expensive outside. “Several patients undergo renal transplants in private hospitals. A government order has to be issued to provide the drugs free of cost to such patients. During this time, they can purchase the drugs at the counter. Both insulin and immunosuppressant drugs will be sold at nearly one-third the original price,” he added.
The counter is likely to open in 10 days, he added. “We are also planning to open these counters at all medical college hospitals.”
