The state annually spends the equivalent of US$345 per case of diabetes, which is twice more than the costs incurred by the health system for a grownup who does not suffer from this disease. There are now over 400 children suffering from diabetes in Moldova, secretary of state at the Ministry of Health, Labor and Social Protection Aliona Serbulenko stated when responding to an inquiry made by Communist MP Elena Bodnarenko, IPN reports.
“It is very hard to estimate the costs incurred for a diabetic as diabetes is a very serious disease and it is often influenced not only by the lifestyle, but also by the multitude of complications caused by this disease and the multitude of chronic diseases persisting in these persons. The health system spends for a diabetic twice more than for a non-diabetic,” said Aliona Serbulenko.
The secretary of state noted the treatment of insured and non-insured diabetic patients is covered with resources from the mandatory health insurance funds. Insulin analogs are also bought with state budget funds. Over 61,000 lei was allocated for purchasing insulin in 2018. More than 79,000 lei was earmarked for antidiabetic medication treatment. The sums are by about 18% higher compared with 2017 and are expected to increase in 2019 too.
Over 400 children and a part of the adult diabetics, especially with Type I and Type II diabetes, now benefit from insulin analogs. All the diabetic children are provided with glucometers and with five blood glucose test strips a day each. About 900,000 lei was allocated this year for buying such devices and consumables. Each primary public health facility offers free express test strips for adults.
In this connection, Elena Bodnarenko noted the number of free blood glucose test strips issued daily should be increased.
In another development, Aliona Serbulenko said a study showed the excessive salt intake leads to a number of diseases. It was established that a Moldovan daily consumes twice more salt than it is recommended. The study is to be presented in the nearest future.
