Darren Chester MP

INSULIN PUMP WIN FOR CHILDREN WITH TYPE 1 DIABETES

February 8, 2010

In a move that will ease the financial burden on Gippsland families of children with type 1 diabetes, a larger subsidy will now be available from the Federal Government for the purchase of insulin pumps.

The Nationals Member for Gippsland Darren Chester described the decision as a victory for people power after he lobbied the Federal Health Minister Nicola Roxon directly and spoke in Parliament in support of young Gippslanders.

Under the changes, there will be an increase in the maximum subsidy under the Type 1 Diabetes Insulin Pump Program from $2500 to $6400, or up to 80% of the pump price.

Mr Chester paid credit to the role of Gippsland paediatrician Dr Peter Goss who has been instrumental in raising awareness of type 1 diabetes and has implemented a successful insulin pump program in the region.

He also acknowledged local student and Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation (JDRF) Youth Ambassador Marlee Grieve who has campaigned to raise awareness of the condition.

Mr Chester said the increase in the maximum subsidy for the purchase of insulin pumps would allow greater access to insulin pump therapy for children with type 1 diabetes across the region.

“It was unrealistic and unfair to expect the families of children with type 1 diabetes to find most of the $8000 purchase price for an insulin pump, especially those families on low-incomes,” Mr Chester said.

“The Minister has made the right decision by listening to the concerns of type 1 diabetics, their families and doctors to improve affordability for this highly-valued service.

“Dr Goss and his team have led the way in proving the importance of this approach to managing type 1 diabetes and hopefully the increased subsidy will allow more children to benefit in the future.”

Mr Chester commended the work of local charitable organisations that have been supporting patients by raising funds to help them meet the cost of purchasing an insulin pump.

“Our community organisations have done a fantastic job by fundraising to ensure local patients haven’t missed out on this important treatment,” Mr Chester said.

“The financial pressure placed on these charities under the previous program arrangement will be eased, allowing them to focus on other areas of need.”

Mr Chester said he would continue to lobby the government to improve access to medical services that can improve the lives of Gippslanders and all regional Australians.