The provincial government’s decision to reduce the number of diabetes test strips patients are covered for is in direct opposition to last fall’s election promise and a pledge in their The Way Forward document, says NDP Health Critic Lorraine Michael (MHA, St. John’s East-Quidi Vidi).
“Last week the Minister of Health and Community Services said the decision to reduce coverage of diabetes test strips was consistent with other provinces,” Michael said in the House of Assembly today. “But our cap for diabetics at low risk is 50 test strips compared to 200 in Ontario, Saskatchewan and BC.
“I ask the Minister why is he limiting one of the most important items necessary for people to effectively monitor and control their diabetes?”
Michael points out that the Liberals promised a diabetes strategy in the 2015 election. With the launching of The Way Forward, the promise shifted to reducing diabetes risk by 2015.
“This does nothing for those who are diabetic or pre-diabetic today,” Michael said, “and it in fact puts them at increased risk. Where is this government’s promised diabetes strategy, with concrete targets and action plans?”
Michael also wants to know what the premier had to say on Friday night when “he and his counterparts were behind closed doors supposedly discussing the Health Transfer.” “I ask the premier, why is he not demanding publicly like other Premiers about the need to maintain the regular 6 per cent annual increase of the previous Health Accord?”