Insulin Pumps Installed at RPGMC Tanda to Help Children with Type-1 Diabetes
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Each pump costs ₹3 lakh; initiative to improve quality of life for young patients
Dharamshala, October 6 — In a major step toward improving diabetes care among children, Dr. Rajendra Prasad Government Medical College (RPGMC) Tanda has successfully installed insulin pumps for eight children suffering from Type-1 Diabetes. Each pump, costing approximately ₹3 lakh, marks a significant advancement in pediatric diabetes management. So far, 140 children have been registered at the Pediatric Endocrine Clinic of the institution.
Principal and Pediatrician Dr. Milap Sharma explained that Type-1 Diabetes is an autoimmune disorder in which the body’s immune system attacks insulin-producing beta cells in the pancreas, leading to insulin deficiency and severe complications if untreated.
Dr. Seema Sharma, Head of Pediatrics, informed that children from Chamba, Kullu, Mandi, Hamirpur, Una, Kangra, and even Pathankot (Punjab) are receiving treatment at Tanda.
Dr. Atul Gupta, Pediatric Endocrinologist and India’s first DM in Pediatric Endocrinology (PGIMER Chandigarh), said Type-1 Diabetes can occur between 6 months to 18 years of age. If not managed properly, it can lead to life-threatening Diabetic Ketoacidosis (DKA). He emphasized that insulin pumps eliminate the need for multiple daily injections and ensure better glucose control.
Before 2022, serious cases had to be referred outside Himachal for advanced care. However, with the establishment of the Pediatric Endocrine Clinic at RPGMC Tanda, early interventions have significantly reduced life-threatening complications over the past three years.
The initiative was made possible through the collaborative efforts of the Government of India, Himachal Pradesh Government, and the National Rural Health Mission (NRHM) Shimla. Parents and children were trained before the devices were installed.
Grateful parents expressed their heartfelt thanks to Dr. Milap Sharma, Dr. Seema Sharma, and Dr. Atul Gupta, appreciating that such world-class medical care is now available in Kangra, improving both disease management and the overall quality of life of children.
