In a major relief for diabetes patients who cannot afford insulin, Delhi-AIIMS has started free distribution of insulin vials to poor patients who are prescribed injections in the hospital OPDs.

The facility was opened in New Raj Kumari Amrit Kaur OPD on the occasion of World Diabetes Day on November 14, 2023. The facility was inaugurated by AIIMS Director Prof M Srinivas. 

“AIIMS is starting a new facility for poor patients suffering from diabetes. For all those patients who are prescribed insulin from any OPD of AIIMS, free insulin vials will be provided to them. To provide this free facility, AIIMS has opened two new counters at Amrit Pharmacy, in front of the New Raj Kumari Amrit Kaur OPD building,” Prof Rima Dada, In-Charge Media Cell informed.

These counters will work from 9 am to 5 pm every day.

Prof Dada added that in addition, the insulin distribution counter will also provide written advice in Hindi and English (which will be given to all patients at the time of distribution) for safe transport and storage of insulin vials. For patients who are likely to travel long distances, frozen ice packs will be provided to safely carry insulin vials at the recommended temperature to their place of residence.

“The prescribing physician will mention that no vials are to be provided to that patient, and the center will provide them. To start with, insulin vials will be issued for treatment duration of one month, which may be increased to 2-3 months in the future,” she added.