by: Jeremy F. Robles, MD, FPCP, FPCEDM
In the past years the PCEDM has worked closely with various partners to provide a meaningful and sustainable way to support several diabetic indigents patients. Matched by the commitment of the Filipino Endocrinologists serving Filipino people we have successfully adopted 60 diabetic patients throughout the country. Free insulin and supplies are given through their respective doctors in the current programs. The doctors follow these patients closely and monitor them through a centralized data system.
The 3 Programs
PCEDM – International Diabetes Federation – Life for a Child (IDF-LFAC)
The International Diabetes Federation through the Life for a Child (LFAC) program was established in the 2000. Its vision is “No child should die of Diabetes” with the mission to provide support through the best possible healthcare available, to all young people with diabetes in developing countries. The Philippines is one of the countries that have received support from the program under the leadership of Dr. Rosa Allyn Sy in 2001, 23 patients were enrolled under 3 centers (ISDFI – Institute for the Study of Diabetes Foundation Incorporated, UP-PGH Section of Pediatric Endocrinology and the Philippine Centre for Diabetes Education Foundation (PCDEF)/ Diabetes Care). HOPE Worldwide Foundation became the monitoring arm of IDF-LFAC Philippines. More than a hundred patients were provided with insulin, syringes, glucose monitors and education materials between 2001 to 2013. In 2013, the Philippine College of Endocrinology, Diabetes & Metabolism (PCEDM) became the newest partner of IDF-LFAC Philippines. Ten patients are currently supported by IDF-LFAC program with PCEDM.
PCEDM – Multicare Help for Insulin Program (HIP)
PCEDM – Novo Nordisk Changing Diabetes for Life Program ( PNNCDLife )
PCEDM – GETZ Pharma
Pharmaceutical companies have also contributed significantly to the realization of these projects. Multicare Pharmaceutical Philippines under the Help for Insulin Program (HIP) started in May 2014 with patients receiving their initial medications and kits. In july 2014, Novo Nordisk Philippines also began providing free insulin to patients enrolled in the PNNCDLife Program. Getz Pharma joined in 2015 providing insulin for the Mindanao region. A total of 60 patients are currently receiving insulin and supplies from the different programs with PCEDM. Majority of the patients are located in Luzon and a few in the Visayas region.
Nomination & requirements for inclusion
The process begins with a nomination of a patient through a PCEDM member. You can send the request though the PCEDM secretariat indicating your nomination together with a short clinical summary and supporting papers. The general requirements are as follows:
1.) Patients should be a Filipino citizen.
2.) Patients should require Insulin for the maintenance & prevention of diabetes complications.
3.) Patient should be duly certified to be indigent by the Barangay of residence.
4.) Patient should be nominated by a PCEDM member and approved by the PCEDM Board.
5.) Participating doctor will be asked to submit reports of the progress of the patient.
Other specific requirements may be needed for the various Insulin support programs.
We extend the heartfelt thanks of all the patients and doctors that are involved with this noble project. We are encouraging everyone to get involved. PCEDM will continue to support the Filipino diabetic patient because we believe we can make a difference 1 patient at a time.
