With the government planning to introduce universal screening for diabetes in the country, the health ministry has launched steps to support development of low cost diabetes detection kits by the Indian companies to bring down the total cost of the programme.

The Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) has been asked to explore the modalities for reducing the cost of the kits so that the programme becomes cost-effective. The ICMR has in turn initiated the necessary steps by inviting expression of interest for development of low-cost kits, sources said.

“The Council has invited individuals, Institutes, R&D organisations and laboratories including the pharmaceuticals companies to come forward for indigenously developing kits for detection for diabetes which are sensitive and specific, affordable and feasible for such a large programme. The Council would evaluate any such initiative and suitable support will be provided for the same. The pharmaceutical companies are also encouraged to look for transfer/adoption of appropriate technology from overseas in order to reduce the cost eventually,’’ sources said.

The diabetes detection kits along with glucometres are proposed to be used for this programme. The cost of the kits at present is around Rs 10 per test which affects the cost effectiveness of the programme. Hence the government has decided to adequately support the initiatives to develop low-cost kits.

As part of the national programme on prevention and control of cardiovascular diseases, diabetes and stroke (NPDCS), the government has already announced the plans to introduce blood tests at health centres to detect diabetes. The scheme has already been launched on pilot basis in 10 districts in 10 States to facilitate early detection of diabetes. The government has earmarked a total outlay of Rs 1660.50 crore for the NPDCS scheme during the current 11th Five Year Plan period. India is projected to have the largest number of diabetics (80 million) in the world by 2030, according to estimates.