Nasty News from Greece
I know this is not a political forum, but I thought that this news story just out today is something that diabetics in the UK ( and indeed worldwide) should know about.
Basically Novo Norodisk have pulled their insulin products from Greece, as the government is keen to reduce their huge medical bill, and want to reduce the price of its insulin by 25%. Norodisk argues that this would create a precedent for other EU countries and would cut their profits drastically. The upshot of this is that thousands of ID diabetics in Greece will be affected. The company says it is only a temporary measure, but imagine the problems for insulin users and their families. Effectively the people suffering are the most vulnerable, and those in need of continual medical supplies.
I personally find this really detestable. Whilst I know pharmaceutical companies are out to make money, and the government in Greece is attempting to clear up their financial mismanagement, those bearing the brunt are ordinary people - and this is really wrong.
All I can imagine is the absolute panic of thinking that your insulin supplies are going to run out or becoming difficult to pay for, or unaffordable. As a diabetic I am incredibly grateful for the NHS which allows me to live a healthy active life, as a full person, without the daily strain of worrying whether I will be able to pay for my medication: worrying about whether I will be a burden to my family. I'm NEVER going to take the health service here for granted.