The Ministry of Health and Wellness in Barbados says there is no shortage of any therapeutic class of insulin on the island even as it acknowledged that due to supply challenges, there is currently a scarce supply of Humulin 70/30.
In a statement, the ministry said that through the Barbados Drug Service (BDS) it is endeavouring to provide an uninterrupted supply of quality insulin products for all Barbadians at an affordable cost.
It said an examination of the Barbados National Drug Formulary (BNDF) shows that there are currently 13 brands of insulin available to all beneficiaries.
“Patients are advised that in the event they are unable to source Humulin 70/30 they should consult with their physicians regarding the selection of a suitable comparable product,” the ministry said, adding that “to ensure the long-term continuous care of all insulin dependent diabetics and the financial viability of the national programme, there has been a policy decision to institute protocol changes in the maximum quantity of insulin pens for which the BDS will cover the cost.”
The BDS said that it will pay for a maximum of two pens per client per month, for each allowed therapeutic class or classes and that the protocols for all other insulins remain the same.
“The change in protocols will not prevent a client from receiving an adequate amount of insulin to treat their condition, as comparable options are available in every therapeutic class of insulin,” the ministry added.
Insulin is a medication used in the treatment and management of diabetes mellitus type-1 and sometimes diabetes mellitus type-2, both of which are significant risk factors for coronary artery disease, stroke, peripheral vascular disease, and a host of other vascular conditions.
