THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The social justice department (SJD) is set to launch a new scheme ‘Vayomadhuram’ for the diabetic elderly in the below poverty line (
BPL) category. The scheme, to be launched on July 18, will offer a free glucometer and 25 test strips to each of the elderly diabetic patients above 65 years.
“As part of the pilot phase of the project, 10 kits each containing a glucometer for blood
glucose monitoring and 25 test strips will be distributed free to 10 elderly diabetic patients on July 18,” SJD director and planning department deputy secretary Nooh PB said.
In the first phase, 800 elderly beneficiaries will be offered the free glucometer kits.
Initially, the project will focus on the poor elderly diabetic patients in old-age homes across the state. Then, it will be extended to all deserving elderly beneficiaries. The diabetic elderly people across the state can apply for the scheme. To avail the scheme, the applicants will have to submit a certificate from a doctor that they are diabetic and that they belong to BPL category, he said.
“The kits are acquired from
Kerala Medical Service Corporation Ltd (KMSCL). A formal tie-up with KMSCL is planned after the launch,” Nooh said.
The price of each glucometer with 25 strips varies according to the brand and the minimum price is around Rs 450.
