DHAKA: Medtronic plc (NYSE:MDT) has announced a strategic partnership between India Medtronic Private Limited and Diabetic Association of Bangladesh to improve outcomes for patients using diabetes care technologies.
The two bodies signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) recently in Mumbai. The MoU was signed by Bob White, President of Medtronic, APAC, Madan Krishnan, Vice President of Medtronic Indian Sub-continent, and Prof. Dr. AK Azad Khan, President of Diabetic Association of Bangladesh.
Bangladesh is among countries with the highest number of people with diabetes. The International Diabetes Federation estimates that there are 7.1 million people with diabetes in Bangladesh and almost an equal number with undetected diabetes. This number is estimated to double by 2025.
To address the need for increased screening, diagnosis, and treatment, Medtronic and the Diabetic Association of Bangladesh jointly aim to improve access to world class diabetes care by offering diabetes care therapies and clinical expertise to patients registered with Diabetic Association of Bangladesh.
Commenting on the partnership, Bob White, President, Medtronic, APAC said, “Medtronic aims to transform diabetes care in Bangladesh by expanding access, integrating care, and improving outcomes, so people living with diabetes can enjoy greater freedom and better health. At Medtronic, we are committed to developing meaningful innovations for patients with chronic diseases — innovations that add real value in better patient outcomes at appropriate costs and lead to enhanced quality of life.”
Adding to this, Madan Krishnan, Vice President, Medtronic, Indian Sub-continent said, “The Indian Sub-continent is uniquely challenged – approximately 8% of the Indian population (over 65 million)2 has been diagnosed with diabetes and 10% in Bangladesh. The increasing burden of diabetes has a tremendous impact on the patients’ long-term health as well as the burden placed on society. Our partnership with Diabetic Association of Bangladesh reflects our commitment to advance the treatment and management of diabetes and to alleviate pain, restore health, and extend life.”
Services will begin in the Bangladesh Institute of Research and Rehabilitation in Diabetes, Endocrine and Metabolic Disorders (BIRDEM), the comprehensive health care delivery center of the Diabetic Association of Bangladesh caring for the highest number of patients with diabetes in the world.
Through this partnership, Medtronic and the Diabetic Association of Bangladesh will:
• identify patients, train and provide them with insulin pumps, continuous glucose monitoring, sensors and consumables at a subsidized rate;
• offer financing assistance through a third party to make diabetes therapy more accessible and affordable;
• support the training of doctors and nurses;
• increase awareness through educational programs on type 1 and type 2 diabetes; and
• establish a 24-hour helpline to help patients tackle health issues related to diabetes.
“We are thrilled to be collaborating with Medtronic to help diabetes patients at all socio-economic levels and ensure access to care. Both doctors and patients should be involved in the process of diabetic care and we are committed to providing quality service that improves patient outcomes as well as their quality of life,” said Prof. Dr. AK Azad Khan, President of Diabetic Association of Bangladesh.
BDST: 1900 HRS, OCT 07, 2017
EHJ/SMS
