For Type 1 diabetes patients who have relied on the same insulin for years, October has brought fresh worry. Parliamentary Secretary for Health Nelson Azeem told the National Assembly on Friday that an insulin product used for the condition is in short supply in Pakistan because its German manufacturer has halted supplies while upgrading its products.
Responding to a matter raised by MNA Syeda Amna Batool, Azeem said there had been no shortage until June and stocks lasted until September, but supplies from Germany were disrupted in October. "The impact of the shortage is being felt not just here, but across Asia, as well as in Australia and Europe," he said. "The product will be available as soon as international supplies are restored."
Azeem said the manufacturer had previously supplied 3,500 kits, which had now fallen to 1,000 and could drop further during the year-long upgrade. The health ministry has asked importing distributors to arrange supplies, he said, though he acknowledged this would be difficult as production has stopped. Alternative insulins with the same dosage and mode of action are available, and patients can switch on their doctors' advice, he added.
Batool voiced concern that the alternatives cost at least 20 percent more and that many patients lack access to doctors. She asked whether the health ministry or the Drug Regulatory Authority of Pakistan (DRAP) had ensured the alternatives were easily available.
On Tuesday, authorities had denied reports of a widespread insulin shortage, saying only one brand, insulin glulisine (Apidra), was unavailable due to international supply constraints, while rapid-acting alternatives in the same class, insulin aspart and insulin lispro, were readily available.