Minister's Response to Our Petition on Insulin Supply
Hi everyone,
I'm catching up sharing the response I received from Hon Mark Butler MP, the Minister for Health and Aged Care, regarding the insulin supply issue raised in our petition with important information regarding Australia’s insulin supply.
While the Minister acknowledged the gravity of the situation, it's crucial that we continue to stress that insulin is not a general medicine—it is life-sustaining!
Without it, people with Type 1 diabetes and some with Type 2 diabetes can face life-threatening complications within hours. We cannot afford any delays, disruptions, or price hikes.
Key Points from the Minister’s Response:
Acknowledgment of the Issue: The Minister recognized the critical importance of securing insulin supply for people with diabetes in Australia.
No Current Shortages: While there are no current shortages, Novo Nordisk has announced the gradual discontinuation of certain insulin products starting October 2024 due to commercial changes. This could affect some patients in the near future.
Role of the TGA: The Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) monitors the supply of insulin and other medicines. They’re working with suppliers to mitigate disruptions and have set up information resources for healthcare professionals and patients.
Challenges of Stockpiling: The Minister noted that it’s not always feasible to stockpile insulin due to risks like delays and shortages. However, we need to remember—insulin is a life-saving drug. Stockpiling is critical to ensure no one faces a shortage of this vital medication, especially in the case of unexpected disruptions (e.g., geopolitical crises, shipping delays, etc.).
Future Actions: The government is taking steps to support the Australian medical manufacturing industry, but it will take time before we can ensure full self-sufficiency in essential medicines like insulin.
Why This is Urgent:
The most important point I want to stress here is that insulin is not just another medicine—it’s critical for survival. People with diabetes depend on a reliable, uninterrupted supply. Any disruption, whether from manufacturing changes, price hikes, or supply chain issues, could cost lives.
It’s essential that the government understands this difference. We cannot afford to treat insulin like a regular medication. The stakes are too high. The risks are too great. Without insulin, people with Type 1 diabetes face immediate danger—we need clear, proactive measures to secure its availability.
Next Steps:
While the Minister has acknowledged the importance of this issue, we must keep raising awareness and advocating for greater transparency in the supply of insulin.
We need clear information on stockpiling levels, global supply risks, and emergency plans to prevent any shortage from putting lives in danger.
Thank you for your continued support. Together, we can make sure no one with diabetes is left without the insulin they need to survive.