Kerala child rights panel orders quality insulin for children with Type 1 diabetes
The Kerala State Commission for Protection of Child Rights has directed health and social welfare authorities to ensure that children with Type 1 diabetes receive quality insulin and other benefits under the Mittayi scheme. The commission's order, issued on a petition from parents and advocacy groups, seeks to reverse recent changes that allegedly led to the distribution of low-quality insulin.
The commission has instructed the Director of Health Services, the Secretary of the Social Justice Department, and the Executive Director of the Kerala Social Security Mission (KSSM) to take necessary steps. It specifically directed the KSSM to roll back modifications made to the Mittayi scheme in the 2025-26 financial year and restore the medicines and benefits that were provided since the Mittayi clinics began functioning.
The Mittayi scheme was launched by the Kerala government to offer comprehensive support and continuous treatment for children and adolescents with Type 1 diabetes through dedicated clinics. It is designed to ensure that young patients have access to proper medical care, including insulin and monitoring, to manage their condition effectively.
The commission was acting on a petition filed by Bushra Shihab and others from the Type 1 Diabetes Foundation (Kerala) and Abdul Jaleel P.T. of the Type 1 Diabetic Welfare Society. The petitioners alleged that for the past one-and-a-half years, low-quality insulin has been distributed through the scheme. They claimed this has adversely affected children's health, leading to diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) and disrupting their education.
According to the petitioners, the previous Left Democratic Front (LDF) government cited financial difficulties for switching from rapid-acting insulin to regular insulin. They also said authorities informed them that even regular insulin might not be available for a complete month for children. The parents said they had submitted multiple complaints, but the issue remained unaddressed.
The commission, led by chairperson K.V. Manoj Kumar (whose term has since ended) and members Shajesh Bhaskar and Wilson F., has sought an action-taken report within 45 days. The order aims to ensure that children with Type 1 diabetes receive uninterrupted, high-quality treatment, which is critical for their physical and mental development.
Type 1 diabetes is a chronic condition in which the pancreas produces little or no insulin. It requires lifelong management, including regular insulin administration, blood sugar monitoring, and a balanced diet. For children, inadequate insulin can lead to serious complications, including DKA, which is a medical emergency. Ensuring access to quality insulin is therefore essential for their well-being and educational continuity.
The directive highlights the need for state authorities to prioritise child health and adhere to existing welfare schemes. By restoring the original benefits under Mittayi, the commission aims to prevent any compromise on the quality of care for vulnerable young patients. The move has been welcomed by parents and advocacy groups, who hope it will bring relief to families struggling to manage the condition.
Health experts note that consistent access to appropriate insulin, along with regular medical follow-up, can significantly reduce the risk of complications and allow children to lead normal lives. The Kerala Commission's intervention underscores the responsibility of the state to provide equitable and effective healthcare for all children, regardless of financial constraints.
