June 21, 2024

Profit Over Patients: Insulin Pen Shortage in South Africa

South Africa is running out of insulin pens due to Novo Nordisk’s decision not to renew its contract, focusing instead on more profitable weight- loss drugs. The shift to vials represents a step backward in diabetes care. Vials and syringes are harder to use and less precise, raising concerns about medication adherence and long-term complications.

The situation underscores a broader issue: the prioritization of profit over equitable healthcare access, leaving vulnerable populations in low- and middle- income countries (LMICs) struggling with outdated and less effective treatments. 80% of people with diabetes live in LMICs. However, drugs like the Ozempic pen, commonly used for diabetes treatment in high- income countries, are not included in the World Health Organization’s essential medicines list or the diabetes treatment guidelines of LMICs.

Read the full article by Stephanie Nolen here

Image Source: NY Times