Diabetics to access free needles under State Government scheme

20/9/01
Needles and syringes will be free to diabetics from October 1, following a decision by the State Government, Health Minister Bob Kucera said today.
Diabetics obtain the products at subsidised prices under the Commonwealth Government's National Diabetes Services Scheme.
Needles and syringes cost $8 per 100 and $5 for concession cardholders.
But the State Government has now moved to close the gap to ensure insulin-dependent diabetics access needles and syringes completely free of charge.
"Under the new Budget measure, this cost will be eliminated - easing the economic hardship for those people who have diabetes," Mr Kucera said.
"This subsidy has been implemented because of the increasing prevalence of diabetes in our community.
"Since 1981, the number of Australians with diabetes has trebled."
Mr Kucera said the recent National AusDiab Study had found about 940,000 Australians aged 25 years and over had diabetes.
"Diabetes is the seventh major cause of death in Australia and it is estimated it will affect 1.23 million Australians by the year 2010," he said.
"The State Government is currently investing in improved services to assist people with diabetes, both through the financial support of organisations such as Diabetes Australia (WA) and in the development of new programs and services covering prevention, education, management and treatment of diabetes and its complications."
The free needle scheme will begin on October 1. It will be administered by Diabetes Australia (WA) for the Department of Health.
Mr Kucera said the scheme was expected to cost about $210,000 per annum.
Media contact: Fran Robb 9213 7000