Patients’ Network demands urgent Government action as rising costs push many to the brink
The Network of Persons Living with Diabetes in Cross River State has sounded a distress call to His Excellency the Governor, Senator Prince Bassey Edet Otu, urging him to take immediate action to address what they described as an “unfolding health crisis” in the State.
In an open letter signed by the group’s coordinator, Comrade Bernard Enyia, the Network appealed to the Governor to tackle the spiralling cost of insulin and the lack of state-backed support for diabetics, which they say has already cost many lives.
Comrade Enyia, himself battling diabetes alongside prostatitis and Bell’s Palsy, said his survival so far has been sustained by the sacrifices of family, friends, and colleagues. But he warned that thousands of other Cross Riverians suffering from diabetes complications do not have the same support systems.
“Many have died, several others are dying, and many more will continue to die because of lack of access to essential diabetes medicines and services,” the letter stated.
The appeal follows a patients’ advocacy campaign staged on 28 August 2024, where members of the Network marched peacefully across Calabar to highlight the insulin crisis and the soaring costs of managing non-communicable diseases.
The group accused successive State Government of neglect and discrimination, pointing out that the Cross River State Ministry of Health has no desk officer for diabetes, no annual programme for prevention or control, and no budgetary allocation for interventions.
“How do you explain a situation where Government provides free immunisation, distributes free mosquito nets, and offers free tests for HIV, TB and leprosy, while diabetics are left to pay to the last kobo? This is injustice, neglect, and insensitivity to a vulnerable population,” the statement said.
The State Health Insurance scheme was also criticised for failing to cover insulin and other key diabetes medications. According to the Network, this exclusion undermines Cross River’s chances of meeting global health targets on universal coverage and the Sustainable Development Goals.
The letter recalled years of advocacy efforts dating back to 2018, during which the group engaged successive Commissioner's of Health. Yet, the prevalence of diabetes has continued to rise with no meaningful State action.
Under Enyia’s leadership, the association has:
Established diabetes clubs in hospitals, institutions, and communities. Donated 300 packs of test strips to health facilities during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Organised outreaches to the Police, Immigration, Civil Defence, and FRSC, appointing senior officers as Diabetes Ambassadors. Supported the former First Lady, Dr Linda Ayade, with free blood sugar and BP screening at a public outreach, at his personal expense.
Sustained awareness through radio and television campaigns, workplace screenings, Church sensitisation, and home visits.
Despite these efforts, the group said “there has been no political will to act.”
The network called on Governor Otu to take immediate steps, including: Creating and funding a diabetes desk in the Ministry of Health. Allocating a budget line for diabetes in the upcoming state budget. Expand health insurance to cover insulin and essential drugs.
Training healthcare workers across all 18 LGAs as diabetes educators. Integrating diabetes care into primary health care. Subsidising drugs and compulsory blood sugar/BP testing in hospitals. Providing wheelchairs for amputees. Observing World Diabetes Day annually in the State.
The group reminded Governor Bassey Otu that many of its members are loyal APC supporters who voted for him in 2023. It will be unfair and a display of ingratitude to deprive us of the dividends of democracy,” they argued, urging the Governor to include diabetics in economic empowerment programmes, SME grants, and alternative livelihoods to reduce their financial burdens.
“Even if you cannot empower all of us, you can start somewhere. Your name will be written in gold if you make a difference,” the letter concluded.
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