Manitoba Announces Pediatric Insulin Pump Program
Winnipeg - The Canadian Diabetes Association is proud to announce that the government of Manitoba recently implemented a pediatric insulin pump program. The announcement came from Manitoba Minister of Health, Theresa Oswald, at the Association’s Winnipeg office.
“We applaud the government of Manitoba for investing into a pediatric insulin pump program,” said Andrea Kwasnicki, Regional Director, Manitoba/Nunavut, Canadian Diabetes Association. “This program will not only improve the health and quality of life for many Manitobans living with type 1 diabetes, but will also improve the sustainability of the province’s healthcare system.”
There are approximately 530 children in Manitoba with type 1 diabetes. The province committed to covering the cost of insulin pumps and pump supplies for medically eligible users, as well as additional front-line staff to train and offer continued monitoring for patients and families.
Meanwhile, the CDA Advocacy Committee in Saskatchewan continues to build on the success of its insulin pump program, announcing the Government’s decision to extend the age of eligibility from 18 to 25 years.
“That is a $2.5 Million benefit annually to the people of Saskatchewan,” said Warren Wagner, Regional Director, Saskatchewan, Canadian Diabetes Association. “Building on that, the advocacy committee met in April in Saskatoon and is formalizing their plan for the 2012-2013 year.”