90,000 vials of Insulin 70/30 shipped to Trinidad and Tobago

THE Ministry of Health has confirmed that a shipment of 90,000 vials of insulin 70/30 was scheduled to arrive in the country on July 15.

A release from the ministry confirmed a “temporary shortage” of Insulin 70/30 was identified in the first week of June and a “stock out” situation, identified in the last week of June.

The situation has since been addressed with the shipment of the 90,000 vials for which the ministry said it has requested expedited clearance and quality release, which are standard procedures, to ensure availability of supplies to the population as a matter of urgency.

The ministry said it understands this temporary shortage was attributable to the international production scheduling and quality release issues as it relates to assurance of the quality of the supplies of Insulin 70/30 available for TT.

An additional shipment is expected in August to further bolster national stock levels. The release also reassured that other types of insulin, ie, Insulin N and Insulin R, are available and in good stock at public health facilities.

Distribution of Insulin 70/30 to the various facilities will begin immediately upon receipt at warehouse to ensure continuous access for patients.

INSULIN 70/30

According to online medical sites, Insulin 70/30 or Humulin 70/30 – as it is also called – is a mixture of two types of insulin: 70 per cent insulin NPH (also known as isophane insulin) and 30 per cent insulin regular.

It is used to help control blood sugar levels in adults with Type I diabetes or Type II diabetes.