Diabetes care funding falls short of expectations

Pharma News: The federal budget has been scrutinised for its inadequacy in addressing the needs of individuals living with diabetes.

The government has earmarked $3.7 million over a span of four years to extend subsidies for additional devices within the Insulin Pump Program. This initiative specifically targets financially disadvantaged Australians under 21 years of age afflicted with type 1 diabetes.

Nevertheless, the budget has drawn criticism for its omission of key provisions advocated for by diabetes advocacy groups such as the Australian Diabetes Educators Association (ADEA), the Australian Diabetes Society (ADS), and Diabetes Australia. These exclusions pertain to critical areas within the diabetes workforce, as well as research and care strategies outlined in the joint budget submission to the government.

These priorities in diabetes care include reducing the number of Australians developing type 2 diabetes and expanding and improving access to life-saving technologies. To support those priorities, ADEA asked the government to also invest in greater access to credentialled diabetes educators (CDEs).

Furthermore, ADEA, ADS, and Diabetes Australia have pressed for immediate and sustained financial backing to underpin diabetes research efforts.

Expressing a mixed sentiment towards the budget allocations for diabetes care in the upcoming fiscal year, ADEA CEO Susan Davidson, said “CDEs are critical to helping people living with diabetes and, ultimately, reducing the broader impacts of the condition on Australia’s health system and economy. Investment in the CDE workforce will help people living with diabetes and people at increased risk of diabetes-related complications by providing greater access to health professionals with specialised diabetes knowledge who can reduce that risk.”

Davidson said that ADEA worked closely with Allied Health Professions Australia, which described the budget as losing momentum to reform ‘our ailing primary care system’.

“We will continue to advocate on behalf of the profession, and we look forward to working with the government and other stakeholders to ensure the best possible care and outcomes for people with diabetes,” she stated.

In reimagining healthcare, Health Industry Hub^TM is the ONLY one-stop-hub uniting the diversity of Pharma, MedTech, Diagnostics & Biotech sectors to inspire meaningful change. The exclusive leadership and influencer podcasts and vodcasts offer unparalleled insights and add immense value to our breaking news coverage.

The Health Industry Hub^TM content is copyright protected. Access is available under individual user licenses. Please click here to subscribe and visit T&Cs here.