In recent weeks there has been an attempt to restrict freedom of diabetics Lombard, 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 duration of 4 years for blood glucose devices, glucometers. The sole criterion for awarding the winners of that call will cost. That win products simply cost less, regardless of the quality of the equipment, the 'reliability of measurement of blood glucose, the painfulness of the operation and ease of use. This policy will be extended to all ASL Lombardy Region thanks to a decision by the Executive, and later at a national level for the 500,000 people with diabetes Lombard and 3 million Italians living and diabetes quality of care will be severely compromised.
So for 4 years the provision of safeguards, such as for blood glucose test strips and lancing, it will be blocked by this notice: patients and diabetologists can no longer choose the equipment best or most suitable for your lifestyle, but will imposed on them the only device more convenient. Not only did this to block innovation and technological research in the field of devices best. Should also be noted that this decision is in stark contrast with the principles of the Manifesto of people with diabetes and recently signed with the law 115/87.
As soon as the news spread, all the associations Lombard of patients with diabetes have been mobilized in a unified way, facing a general indignation against the decision of the Lombardy Region. This has even sparked a parliamentary question to Minister of Health. The comparison which emerged seems to have reached a first result: the parties involved (ASL and associations) have agreed to suspend in the current contract and reviewing the criteria for assignment of the contract, including for example the quality. But there is still nothing definitive, and expected developments: we must never lower our guard.
Of course, this is a great victory for co-and volunteerism, which should be complimented for this step forward in resolving the problem and confirms that together we can win these battles. Dismay, however, remains true to this attack, 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: people's health can not be questioned, life is priceless.
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