LIBERALS SAY FUNDING INSULIN PUMPS MAKES SENSE
Date: Friday September 25, 2009

(Halifax, NS) Liberal health critic Diana Whalen today introduced an
Act to Support Diabetic Persons in Nova Scotia; a private members bill
today that would see the NDP government fund insulin pumps for diabetics
across Nova Scotia.

"We have a piece of equipment that has the potential to offer both a
short term and long term cost benefit to the province," said Whalen.
"Insulin pumps won’t just improve the lifestyle of diabetics - these
pumps will help patients and the province avoid much more costly
healthcare in the future."

Insulin pumps, which are attached to the body through a type of shunt,
are able to monitor and regulate insulin levels while delivering
life-sustaining insulin at a steady rate based on an individual's needs.
The use of an insulin pump helps diabetics better manage their disease
while sustaining fewer complications including heart disease, kidney
disease and amputations.

With the province’s healthcare budget ballooning year over year,
Whalen believes a focus on better management of chronic illnesses will
help curb the trend and keep costs under control.

"This government has a choice; pay now or pay much more later," added
Whalen. "It makes sense to invest in equipment that will not only save
the system money, but potentially avoid the hospitalization of patients
with diabetic-related complications later on."

"Frankly, it is investments like this one that will strengthen Nova
Scotia’s overburdened healthcare system and save the taxpayer in the
long run."

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