By LARA PICKFORD-GORDON Saturday, July 5 2008

ANOTHER pensioner has complained about the hassles associated with accessing the free glucometers and diabetic strips under a Health Ministry programme which began on June 12.

A middle-aged diabetic complained yesterday that she had to face “drama and stress” to access the programme. She went to her private doctor to have a form filled to get registered for the strips and glucometers and was asked by the doctor to pay a fee of $40.

Under the programme, doctors are required to fill out a form outlining the patient’s diabetic history, the person’s height and weight and then has to affix his/her stamp and sign the form.

She argued that when the ministry first promoted the programme it was stated that no fee would be attached to the filling out of the form. The woman said she knew of another diabetic whose doctor refused to fill out her form.

“He said she has not had a hypo-glycemic incident in a while and was not eligible for the glucometer so he is not going to do the paperwork.” She complained, “let us know how this thing is supposed to work because it seems medical professionals don’t have a clue.”

The woman’s grouse yesterday comes on the heels of numerous complaints over the lengthy process to apply and the requirement of an electronic birth certificate to apply.

Despite full page advertisements by the Health Ministry, there seems to be ignorance among members of the public about the registration process.

The Diabetes Association of TT has been receiving a lot of criticism from people who thought they could get the meters and strips at the association’s office in Chaguanas. Officials there have been accused of hoarding the items although the association’s role is only limited to distributing registration forms.

People have even been sending their electronic birth certificates to the association and asking for the glucometers and strips.

Although the Health Ministry has advised people to visit their health centres to be assessed for eligibility, a random poll of health centres indicated the forms still had not reached some centres.

The Chaguanas District Health Facility has been referring people to the association office as it did not have forms. The Cunupia Health Centre does not have the service and was awaiting information. The La Horquetta Health Centre was expecting to get a batch of forms soon. Registration forms were available at Diego Martin, St James, El Socorro and Rio Claro Health Centres.

Health Minister Jerry Narace yesterday said a liaison officer will be stationed at the Health Ministry to help persons encountering difficulties accessing the glucometers and strips under the Chronic Disease Assistance Programme (CDAP).

Narace yesterday reiterated that the possession of an electronic birth certificate was a criteria for participating in the programme which officially began on June 12. It contains a “unique identification” number which will be used for persons receiving the CDAP card.

Responding to complaints, Narace said persons who visit their private doctors to be assessed for eligibility and register for the programme may have to pay a fee but if they “don’t want to pay, they can go to the health centres”.

He said the Ministry would give a “full update” on the programme and respond to concerns next week.