By Lara Pickford-Gordon Friday, July 4 2008

The Diabetes Association of TT is taking a lot of flak from diabetics vexed with the process they must go through to acquire the diabetic strips and glucometers which the Government is providing free of charge.

Contacted yesterday to find out how the programme was going, president of the association Carlton Phillip said the requirement of the electronic birth paper was “frustrating” to old people who had to get up early to try and get the electronic certificate.

He said something should be done to “alleviate the suffering of old people”.

The association has been encountering the anger of persons who are unable to access the strips and meters. Phillip said people were going to their offices in Chaguanas “demanding machines”.

However, he said the association had a limited role in the programme. Phillip said in the early stages of discussion, the association was told it would be involved in the distribution. But so far it is only distributing forms for people to register.

“We are getting the brunt of the anger because they can’t go to the Permanent Secretary or Minister. They take us for the bobolee.”

Last month, Health Minister Jerry Narace announced the start of the programme on a phased basis from June 12, with approximately 10,000 juvenile diabetics being targeted. The ministry aims to assist 35,000 diabetics.

The process begins with the patient visiting their doctor or health centre to be assessed for eligibility, and filling out a registration form. They must drop off the form at designated TTPost offices. After approval is given to their application, a CDAP card will be mailed to the patient. They will be contacted by the supplier of the strips and meters for delivery and provided with training on how to use the meter.

The four to six weeks which people must wait for their applications to be processed was the “biggest humbug,” Phillip said. In addition, he said Grenadians and St Vincentians who had TT identification cards were complaining that they could not access the service.

“They say they getting ID cards to vote and now can’t get the diabetic strips”.

He said after the first advertisements were published, last month, stating TTPost would be involved, some persons visited TTPost outlets but were told “they don’t know anything about” the programme. Phillip said subsequently information was published telling people which TTPost office to visit.

“It’s a whole comical thing,” he said.

Newsday learnt that the Health Ministry is expected to address the issue of naturalised citizens accessing the programme. Newsday was advised that several TTPost outlets are involved in the programme–Trincity, Siparia, Valsayn, Sangre Grande, and Bon Accord in Tobago. Completed registration forms can also be dropped off at TTPost outlets at businesses including, Lee’s Pharmacy in Curepe and Ramesh and Leela’s Supermarket in San Juan.