Insulin pump treatment is not equitable

“Insulin pump treatment is not equitable throughout New Zealand” Associate Professor Patrick Manning, the President of the New Zealand Society for Diabetes (NZSSD), told the Parliamentarians for Diabetes meeting held on August 27.

Insulin pumps are small devices used in the management of people with Type 1 diabetes who, for various reasons, are unable to be managed effectively with insulin injections.

At the present time funding for insulin pump treatment is based on the population based funding formula. This results in each DHB receiving a fixed amount of money to fund this service each year.

“As a result of the funding scheme for this service only a fixed number of people with Type 1 diabetes can enter the programme. This has created a “first come, first served situation” Manning told the committee.

“Most DHBs have completely filled their quota and are having to find other local funding to provide funding for new patients to receive pump therapy. This has created inequity of insulin pump services throughout New Zealand”.

Health services are traditionally based on need - if you meet the criteria for treatment then it is provided. NZSSD have released a Position Statement outlining the criteria which they believe identify the group of people with Type 1 diabetes who are most likely to benefit from insulin pump therapy.

Manning urged the committee to implement the NZSSD recommendations for insulin pump therapy. “This would target pump therapy at those who will benefit most and allow for nationally equitable service provision.”

ENDS