In the dynamic urban centers of Pakistan, with the tantalizing aromas of street cuisine, a dark reality confronts diabetic patients.
In the heart of South Asia, “Pakistan,” where the land is enriched with cultural heritage, sandy dunes, vibrant cities, majestic mountains, and valleys covered with lush green grass, persists a silent struggle: “The struggle to access Insulin.” This struggle is impacting the existence of millions of people, yet its resonance eludes many.
Insulin is hope for diabetic patients. Diabetes is a chronic condition in which insulin, a hormone produced by the pancreas in the body to regulate blood glucose levels, is deficient or is not used efficiently by the body, which results in increased blood glucose levels. If the condition continues, it will result in dire complications, ultimately resulting in organ failure, loss of vision, and even death.
To deal with diabetes, it was in the early 20th century when a life-saving medication called insulin was discovered for diabetic patients. This breakthrough revolutionised diabetes treatment and presented a hope of life to diabetic patients.
In the dynamic urban centres of Pakistan, with the tantalising aromas of street cuisine, a dark reality confronts diabetic patients. Despite the significant strides in medical advancements, the road to accessing insulin, a life-saving medication for diabetic patients, is laden with obstacles in Pakistan.
The antagonist in this tale is the rising price of insulin. The paradox is stark: as the world benefits from breakthroughs in science and technology, a notable proportion of diabetic patients in Pakistan are compelled to either choose insulin or the necessities.
As mentioned in a report by The Borgen Project, 30% of the healthcare facilities have run out of insulin, and the price of insulin has doubled, making it even impossible for people to get their hands on this life-saving medication. In Pakistan, approximately 43% of the population is living in poverty.
Families, already carrying the burden of economic uncertainties, have to make a decision between putting food on the table and obtaining insulin. As recorded by the International Diabetic Federation in 2021, more than 32 million adults in Pakistan have diabetes. The highest percentage of deaths due to diabetes is 35.5% among people under 60 years of age. (Yuki, 2023)
A survey spanning 8 different cities in Pakistan revealed that a significant proportion of people grappling with diabetes depend on private sector pharmacies to get their hands on insulin, and regrettably, the price of the insulin was too high to be affordable for those with low incomes. Insulin price dynamics in Pakistan vary depending on the type and the source. (Wallen, n.d.)
A survey carried out in Pakistan revealed that the per-vial cost of insulin varies between PKR 819 and PKR 3005.1, underscoring the financial obstacle that individuals requiring this essential life-saving drug must surmount. (“Access to Insulin Products in Pakistan: A National Scale Cross-Sectional Survey on Prices, Availability, and Affordability,” 2022)
Unfortunately, the price of insulin is not the only obstacle to accessing it; the availability of insulin is also contributing to this struggle. These factors ultimately lead to a diabetic crisis in the country and present a burden on the healthcare system and facilities. (Yuki, 2023)
In spite of the obstacles, there is a light of hope in this gloomy tale. This issue needs to be addressed by the government. Not only the government but also non-governmental organisations, healthcare authorities, and other concerned authorities need to work together in collaboration and dig out ways to end this struggle for access to insulin in the country.
Necessary actions should be taken to end this dilemma in order to avoid or at least control the sufferings and deaths due to diabetes in the country. There is a need to develop production methods for insulin that are cost-effective, which will ultimately lead to a reduced price of insulin on the market so that poor people can also get their hands on this life-saving medication.
In addition to that, production methods for insulin that result in high yields should also be developed so that sufficient insulin becomes available in the country. But it is not wholly solely about Pakistan; other countries need to work in this regard and contribute their efforts as well.
In conclusion, the struggle for access to insulin in Pakistan is a critical issue with dire consequences, and it needs to be addressed immediately.