NHS Fife has been requested by MPs to make the FreeStyle Libre available to people with type 1 diabetes.
NHS Fife has been criticised for “lagging behind” other Scottish health boards when it comes to making the diabetes technology available to people in the area.
Labour Member for Mid Scotland and Fife Alex Rowley wants NHS Fife to lay out a clearer timeframe of when the FreeStyle Libre may be introduced.
The glucose monitoring system, that was approved for NHS use nine months ago, alleviates the need for finger-pricking and provides a lot more data for people with type 1 diabetes to make important insulin dose decisions with.
Speaking to The Courier, Mr Rowley said: “I have been contacted by many constituents telling me of the daily pain they face in finger pricking to test their blood. As this is a daily necessity, some have done tens of thousands of pricks in their lifetime.
“Half of the health boards in Scotland already provide access to this life changing technology and I am disappointed that NHS Fife is still lagging behind. There should be no postcode lottery when it comes to healthcare.”
The FreeStyle Libre was approved for use by the Scottish Health Technology Group (SHTG) in July.
Kirkcaldy Scottish National Party politician David Torrance has also spoken out about the technology. He said: “I would urge NHS Fife to take an early decision on making this device available within Fife, taking into account the advice from SHTG.”
NHS Fife medical director Dr Frances Elliot said: “We note the publication of advice from the Scottish Health Technology Group in relation to FreeStyle Libre. As such, a paper outlining the implications of its introduction will make its way through the necessary governance committees of NHS Fife and the Health and Social Care Partnership over the coming weeks.”

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