To the editor,
Most people are shocked by the price of a single insulin pump for diabetics (ranging from $6,000 to $9,000) plus monthly supplies. Imagine if you had to buy two, one for each child, plus supplies. There are a few families that have had to do that. Imagine.
According to the Canadian Diabetes Association research shows that: • In the first year of implementation, the net financial cost to Nova Scotia to fund insulin pumps for children is projected to be approximately $650,000. • The net financial savings funding will bring about is projected to grow each year, reaching approximately $1.4 million by 2032.
Based on the need and on the cost to fund these pumps, why haven’t we? Please do not tell us that Nova Scotia needs to balance its budget. We are all aware of that and of rising health care costs. The fact is that with over 900,000 Nova Scotians, it would cost each person less than 75 cents each to have these pumps covered for children. It would also be a proactive way of reducing future health care costs. We need to consider the long-term savings.
Proper health care early on means fewer complications and heath care costs later on. Isn’t it sad that financial concerns are currently taking priority over the health of our children?
Please tell our government that you want this funding by signing our petition at:
https://www.change.org/en-CA/petitions/nova-scotia-legislature-fund-insulin-pumps-for-children
Please forward this to all of your contacts. Thank you for your support. Together we can make a change.
Tammy MacLaren
Mom, taxpayer, voter
