asked the Minister for Health when it was decided to cut down on the number of syringes that diabetics could have free of charge to 12 per month; and the basis on which this decision was made.
Written Answers. - Syringes for Diabetics.
329.
The appliance normally used by a diabetic is a glass syringe with a disposable needle. However, for children, or adults away from home, the disposable syringe has certain advantages and these have been provided for several years. Recently consultants in the field of diabetes here and elsewhere have drawn attention to the fact that disposable syringes were introduced originally to avoid the risk of transferring infection from one patient to another. In the treatment of diabetes at home the diabetic alone uses the appliance, hence the question of transferring infection does not arise. They suggest that the syringe might be used five times but the Eastern Health Board decision is somewhat more liberal.