In recent weeks there has been an attempt to limit the freedom of people with diabetes in Lombardy, they speak of the possibility of cure in the most appropriate and suitable to their needs.
It all started when some ASL in Lombardy have issued a call lasting 4 years for self-monitoring blood glucose devices, glucometers. The sole criterion for awarding the winners of this call will cost. That win products that simply cost less, regardless of the quality of the equipment, the 'reliability of the measurement of glucose, the painfulness of the operation and ease of use. This policy will be extended to all the ASL of the Lombardy Region, thanks to a resolution of the Board, and later at the national level for the 500,000 people with diabetes in Lombardy and the 3 million Italians with diabetes quality of life and care will be severely compromised.
So for 4 years the provision of aids, such as blood glucose test strips and lancing, will be blocked by this notice: for patients and diabetologists no longer be able to choose the machine better or more suited to their lifestyle, but will They are required to only one device more convenient. Not only: in fact this will block innovation and technological research in the field of devices best. It should also be noted that this decision is in stark contrast to the principles of the Manifesto of the People with Diabetes and recently signed with the law 115/87.
As soon as the news spread, all the associations of Lombardy patients with diabetes have been mobilized in a unified manner, before a general indignation against the decision of the Lombardy Region. This has even sparked a parliamentary question to the Minister of Health. The comparison that has emerged seems to have been reached a first result: the parties involved (ASL and associations) have agreed to suspend the call in today and reviewing the criteria for allocation of such notice, including for example the quality. But there is still nothing definitive, and await developments and to never let our guard down.
Of course, this is a great victory for the associations and the voluntary sector, to which must be complimented for this step forward in solving the problem and confirms that together we can win these battles. However, the shock remains true for this attack, the consequence of a too cold managerial public health. Perhaps we should make it clear to our administrators that a purely economic assessment can have serious repercussions on daily life and disease management: the health of people can not be questioned, life is priceless.
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