The right to sensors is no longer limited only to minors and insulin pump users but has been made available to a significantly wider group of people living with diabetes, following an initiative submitted by the Commissioner for Protection of Equality to the Republic Health Insurance Fund.

The RHIF’s action on the Commissioner’s initiative and the adoption of highly significant amendments to the Rulebook on Medical and Technical Aids, not only expanded the group of eligible users but also relaxed the criteria for exercising the right to continuous glucose monitoring sensors (CGM) at the expense of the RHIF.

The Commissioner submitted the initiative to improve the position of people living with diabetes taking their actual needs into account following an appeal from the Gornji Milanovac Diabetes Association, primarily pointing out that the right to sensors was predominantly linked to children and young people, while adults with long-term diabetes and developed complications were most often denied this right, which does not contribute to equality in access to healthcare.

This step towards more equal access to modern diabetes treatment confirms the importance of cooperation between institutions and patient associations but also serves as a reminder that it must not end there and that work must continue on improving the rights and quality of healthcare of people living with this disease, whose numbers are increasing. Diabetes is not a personal choice, which is why modern therapy and medical aids must not be a privilege. Their availability represents an investment in preventing complications and preserving the quality of life and dignity of people living with diabetes, Commissioner Antonijević emphasized.