Lok Sabha Question No. 352 (STARRED), answered on 2023-03-24
Subject: Vulnerability of Diabetic Patients during COVID-19
Ministry: HEALTH AND FAMILY WELFARE
Asked by: Thalikkottai Rajuthevar Baalu

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF HEALTH AND FAMILY WELFARE

## DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND FAMILY WELFARE

## LOK SABHA STARRED QUESTION NO. 352 TO BE ANSWERED ON THE 24 TH  MARCH, 2023

## VULNERABILITY OF DIABETIC PATIENTS DURING COVID-19

## *352. SHRI T.R. BAALU:

Will the Minister of HEALTH AND FAMILY WELFARE be pleased to state:

- (a) whether the Government agrees with the view that the COVID-19 pandemic has established the vulnerability of diabetic patients emphasizing the need to manage and prevent the disease among people across the country;
- (b) if so, the details thereof; and
- (c) the steps taken/proposed to be taken by the Government keeping in view the fact that  around  25  per  cent  of  a  poor  family's  income  is  spent  on  treating  a  family member with diabetes, pushing the family deeper into poverty?

## ANSWER THE MINISTER OF HEALTH AND FAMILY WELFARE

## (DR MANSUKH MANDAVIYA)

- (a) to (  c) A Statement is laid on the Table of the House.

## STATEMENT REFERRED TO IN REPLY TO LOK SABHA STARRED QUESTION NO. 352 FOR 24  TH  MARCH, 2023

(a)  to  (c):  As  per  ICMR, Diabetes has been considered as a high-risk factor for all infectious diseases including severe COVID-19 disease.

1. Taking cognizance of association between elevated blood sugar levels (whether in patients with  pre-existing diabetes mellitus,  or  hyperglycaemia  due  to  steroid therapy), an updated 'Clinical Guidance on Diagnosis and Management of Diabetes at  COVID-19  Patient  Management  facility'  was  issued  by  Ministry  of  Health  & Family Welfare on 1st June 2021 (available at: https://www.mohfw.gov.in/pdf/ClinicalGuidanceonDiagnosisandManagementofDiab etesatCOVID19PatientManagementfacility.pdf ).
2.  The  said  guidance  calls  for  screening  of  every  patient  as  well  as  gives  detailed patient  management  guidelines  (including  diet)  for  managing  hyperglycaemia  and preventing its complications.

The  Department  of  Health  &  Family  Welfare,  Government  of  India  provides technical and financial support to the States/UTs under the National Programme for Prevention  and  Control  of  Cancer,  Diabetes,  Cardiovascular  Diseases  and  Stroke (NPCDCS). The programme includes the following,

- i. Strengthening infrastructure
- ii. Human resource development
- iii. Health promotion
- iv. Screening of 30 years and above population under Ayushman Bharat Health Wellness Centre
- v. Early diagnosis and management
- vi. Referral to an appropriate level of healthcare facility

Under NPCDCS, 708 District NCD Clinics and 5671 Community Health Center NCD Clinics has been set up.

Action taken by Government in respect of diabetes treatment:

1.  Under  Free  Drugs  Service  Initiative  of  NHM,  financial  support  is  provided  to States/UTs for provision of free essential  medicines  including  insulin  for  poor  and needy people.

2. Quality generic medicines including insulin are made available at affordable prices to all, under Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Janaushadhi Pariyojana (PMBJP) in collaboration  with  the  State  Governments.  Affordable  Medicines  and  Reliable Implants  for  Treatment  (AMRIT)  Pharmacy  stores  have  been  set  up  in  some hospitals/institutions,  with  an  objective  to  make  available  diabetic  drugs  at  a substantial discount vis-à-vis the Maximum Retail Price.

3. Under Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (PMJAY), health insurance cover of Rs. 5 lakhs per family per year for secondary or tertiary care hospitalization to over 60 Crores beneficiaries identified from Socio Economic and Caste Census 2011 (SECC 2011)  database  is  provided.  The  treatment  packages  under  AB-PMJAY  are  very comprehensive  covering various treatment related aspects such as drugs and diagnostic services.

Awareness  Generation  for  Diabetes  prevention  has  also  been  focused  in following ways:-

1.  Preventive  aspect  of  Diabetes  is  strengthened  under  Comprehensive  Primary Health Care through Ayushman  Bharat  Health  Wellness  Centre Scheme,  by promotion of wellness activities and targeted communication at the community level.

2.  Other  initiatives  for  increasing  public  awareness  by  using  print,  electronic  and social media  about Diabetes and for promotion  of healthy lifestyle includes observation of World Diabetes Day.

3. Healthy Eating is promoted through Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI).

4. Fit India movement is implemented by Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports.

5. Various Yoga related activities are carried out by Ministry of AYUSH.