In response to the rising number of children diagnosed with type-1 diabetes, the Tamil Nadu health department, alongside the National Health Mission, is set to roll out a Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) in June aimed at improving the management and treatment of pediatric patients.
Currently, over 2,600 children are registered and receiving care for type-1 diabetes in government hospitals across the state. Officials believe the actual number may be significantly higher when factoring in private sector cases. To address the increasing prevalence of the condition, health authorities have outlined plans to involve stakeholders and NGOs in a concerted effort to enhance support for patients and their families.
A Arun Thamburaj, Mission Director of the National Health Mission – Tamil Nadu, emphasized the importance of the upcoming SOP, which will provide comprehensive guidelines for effective treatment. The SOP will be implemented following the completion of training for healthcare staff, including doctors and paramedics, ensuring the delivery of specialized care across all government medical colleges in the state. The initiative will also introduce a dedicated support system for children affected by the disease.
Further plans include extending the 104 helpline service, designed to connect patients with healthcare professionals and streamline coordination through dedicated nodal officers, Thamburaj added.
Dr. Krishnan Swaminathan from Idhayangal Trust, a Coimbatore-based organization providing medical aid to over 2,600 children with type-1 diabetes in Tamil Nadu, highlighted that the true number of affected children could exceed 10,000, with an annual increase of approximately 500-600 new cases. He explained that type-1 diabetes, which requires lifelong insulin injections and regular glucose monitoring, presents unique challenges compared to regular diabetes. The cost of treatment often exceeds Rs 6,000 per month, making access to government-provided care crucial for families from economically disadvantaged backgrounds.
Dr. Swaminathan also emphasized the critical need for emergency treatment services, noting that the helpline will be an invaluable resource for those in need of immediate assistance.
This initiative marks a significant step toward enhancing healthcare infrastructure and ensuring equitable access to life-saving treatment for children battling type-1 diabetes in Tamil Nadu.
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