Biocon has now kicked off a series of patient outreach programmes to mark a Decade of Excellence in affordable Insulin therapy. The company  was an early entrant in the development of generic recombinant human Insulin (rh-Insulin)  Insugen which was introduced in 2004.

As a part of the initiative, special programmes like health camps for senior citizens are being organised in several cities across India. In Bangalore, Dr. N. Prakash , general practitioner, led the company’s efforts at the Shree Old Age Home in Mahalakshmipuram, where over 40 senior citizens underwent a comprehensive free health check-up. The camp included cardio-diabetic screening, health & eye checkups followed by doctor consultations and a session on diabetes awareness.

The company’s engagement with the senior citizens who underwent screening at the health camp will extend to subsidised/free lifetime medication (oral cardio, anti-diabetics &insulins) and distribution of free optical devices.

The health camp was organised as a part of Biocon’s efforts to improve the quality of life of patients, especially the less privileged & neglected members of society who deserve that extra attention and care in the advancing years.

According to Ravindra Limaye, president, marketing, Biocon, instances of chronic morbidities like diabetes and hypertension among the geriatric population are increasing. Proper diagnosis and timely treatment are key in reducing the burden of illness and associated costs.”

“For the past decade, Biocon has been hand holding patients through a holistic and  highly effective diabetes management programme. As we approach the milestone of a decade of excellence in affordable insulin therapy in India, we are endeavoring to empower many more Indians with increased choices in healthcare management,”he added.

Developing countries like India are challenged with a much larger disease burden due to ageing populations and rising incidence of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) like diabetes, cancer and autoimmune disorders.

Diabetes represents a huge disease burden for India with 65 million cases reported in 2013. ICMR estimated India could account for  85 million diabetics by  2030.

The company has been addressing affordable Insulin therapy in India through its generic rh-Insulin and analogs. . According to  MAT June 2014, IMS,  Biocon holds the  distinction of being not only the largest Indian insulins company but the fastest growing insulins company in India as well.

Some of its patient outreach initiatives are the ‘Winning with Diabetes’ manned by around 100 diabetes care advisors working round-the-clock to improve patient adherence to therapy (medication,diet and exercise) through a structured six-visit plan for counseling called ‘iTAP’ (insulin therapy assistance programme).Other  programmes include ABIDE, a novel diabetes education initiative for medical practitioners and Sampark, a chemist education programme.