Gujarat: Pioneering State in Implementing Juvenile Diabetes Scheme
By Sangeeta Shukla
Juvenile diabetes, also known as Type 1 diabetes, is a significant health concern in India. With a prevalence rate that places India at the forefront globally, the condition affects approximately 360,000 children in the country, with new cases being diagnosed annually. Additionally, Type 2 diabetes is increasingly becoming a concern among Indian youth, manifesting nearly two decades earlier than in Western countries, with an 8-10% prevalence and another 15% of children classified as pre-diabetic.
Regrettably, government hospitals currently lack provisions for screening non-communicable diseases among children suffering from Type 1 diabetes. The government has historically been unaware of the escalating cases of Type 1 diabetes among underprivileged children, leaving many parents unable to secure treatment from state-run hospitals. Implementing a scheme to address this issue has been challenging, requiring considerable effort to convince the government of its necessity.
However, Dr. Smita Joshi, with the assistance of Dr. Shukla Raval from Mehsana, Gujarat, has been instrumental in advocating for the inclusion of juvenile diabetes in government health programs. Both doctors, actively engaged in health and welfare programs for women and children, have persistently urged the Governments of Gujarat and India to make necessary provisions in government hospitals. Since 2018, Dr. Joshi has worked tirelessly on humanitarian grounds to bring this issue to the forefront, eventually convincing the Government of Gujarat to take action.
As a result, the Health and Family Welfare Department of the Government of Gujarat has initiated measures to provide treatment for juvenile diabetes across the state. For FY 2023-24, the District Panchayat, a local self-government body, allocated Rs. 10.95 lakh for procuring insulin pens and cartridges for diabetic children, with an increased budget of Rs. 30 lakh for FY 2024-25. Moreover, the Government of Gujarat has decided to expand the juvenile diabetes control program statewide, allocating Rs. 27.76 crore in the current state budget.
This significant budget allocation marks a positive step forward, as juvenile diabetes cases were previously excluded from health-related schemes, causing parents of affected children to navigate numerous hospital wards in search of care. Doctors would often avoid examining their cases. With the new scheme implemented by the Government of Gujarat, underprivileged children suffering from Type 1 diabetes and their parents will finally receive the necessary support and relief.
Dr. Smita Joshi continues her efforts to persuade the Ministry of Health, Government of India, to include juvenile diabetes in national health schemes, ensuring that underprivileged children receive proper treatment. This issue should ideally fall under the Ayushman Bharat scheme, and NITI Aayog should formulate a nationwide policy and budget provision.
Notably, Gujarat is the first state in the country to implement a scheme for juvenile diabetes and allocate funds for it in the current fiscal year.
Dr. Smita Joshi shared a poignant moment between a mother and her four-year-old daughter with Type 1 diabetes. While administering an insulin injection, the mother was in tears. Her daughter, seeing this, said, “Mom, don’t cry. This needle doesn’t hurt as much as seeing your tears.” These words deeply moved Dr. Joshi and Dr. Shukla Raval, marking a turning point in their mission.
For the past six years, the two sisters have tirelessly advocated for the inclusion of juvenile diabetes in health schemes. They have achieved some success but continue their relentless efforts to improve the lives of diabetic children. Their dedication has made them saviors for many.
Addressing Type 1 diabetes among underprivileged children is a serious concern that the Government of India needs to address urgently.
