I didn't know very well where to put this topic and in the end I have left it here.
Right now there is a latent problem with the theme of reactive strips.
In case we did not have enough with the absurd recommendations of thirst about the number of daily glycemia, now some regional governments have realized that if they join they can buy cheaper.
Nosecantos and a few useless have been enough to realize such an idiocy.
The issue is that Aragon, Asturias, Castilla La Mancha, Ceuta, Extremadura, Murcia, La Rioja and the Valencian Community have joined to buy the strips together.
So far everything apparently correct: cheaper strips (over 30% cheaper) and is supposed to be the same quality.
But not everything was going to be a rosita color in the country of wonders and molten chocolate sweets on rebel straws: D
There are problems.
The first the number of strips they intend to buy.
156 million for an approximate number (my calculation) of 170 thousand patients, it leaves 2 and a half strips a day per patient ... in a year.
That counting only type 1 plus a small percentage of type 2:-/
The second of the problems is the award, where the only criterion is the price.
2 things can happen: to select 1 or 2 brands of the usual + other Korean/China/Asian or select the same brands as until now.
In the first case, all those who used other brands would have to change and go to a kind of monopoly, where the selected brands would not have to work their market.
In the second case, the profit margin for companies would be so small that they would barely invest in a commercial network and much less in promotion or in support of education materials, training of professionals, contribution to associations of patients, congresses, days ...
I explain it a little more on my website:
The third of the problems is in which Fede, our representative on this subject.
At the end of January 2013, a meeting with the ministry, thirst and Fede itself is scheduled.
As a pressure measure, Fede has launched this campaign: Link ... idport = 1 <!A petition on the change.org portal
The intention is that in the contest all trade brands come out, for the benefit of all patients (see problem 2)
I understand that in the price, Fede does not enter ... at least it shouldn't.
And it is a problem because Fede has no political or media weight or pressure capacity, he has never had it.
Our group is not characterized by its support for the cause, precisely ... and that we have been paying for many years.
So Fede's risky campaign and its foreseeable failure will result in that they still have a lower weight in the final decision on this matter.
So once you are informed of everything, I would suggest that you support Fede's campaign.
Right now is what is needed.
I do not like the campaign, it is a strategic error without any way out and without great final benefit, but there is no turning back.
We play too much ... at least they go to a meeting with an important virtual support.