Medtech Canada commends Manitoba government for more access to pumps and monitors in 2023 budget
by CM Staff
anitoba is providing access to insulin pumps and continuous glucose monitors for patients living with diabetes by reducing the administrative burden on prescribers.
TORONTO — Medtech Canada, the national association representing Canada’s medical technology companies, released the following statement from its President and CEO, Nicole DeKort, in response to the Manitoba Government announcing universal access to insulin pumps and continuous glucose monitors for patients with type 1 and type 2 diabetes as part of Manitoba’s 2023 budget.
“In his budget address, the Hon. Cliff Cullen, Manitoba Minister of Finance, stated, “Manitobans with diabetes simply can not live full lives without access to necessary medical technology.”
Diabetes requires managing glucose levels day and night. Access to technology such as insulin pumps and continuous glucose monitors (CGM) are a big step towards decreasing this burden, especially when an insulin pump is combined with an integrated continuous glucose monitor that allows for adaptive insulin delivery. In 2021 the Manitoba Government expanded eligibility for advanced glucose monitors and insulin pumps to include all young adults under the age of 25. While this was a step in the right direction, it left many unable to access the benefits afforded by these technologies that positively impact patients.
With this announcement, Manitoba is providing access to insulin pumps and continuous glucose monitors for patients living with diabetes by reducing the administrative burden on prescribers and expanding who is allowed to prescribe these technologies.
Medtech Canada says they look forward to continuing to work with provincial governments to ensure access to proven technologies is available to patients when they need them, where they are.
