D. Hinduja Hospital & Medical Research Centre, in collaboration with the Hinduja Foundation, expanded its Type 1 Diabetes Initiative (T1DI) today by donating insulin pumps to 20 underprivileged children. The donation was made as part of the Insulin Pump Therapy Initiation Program. The management and maintenance of these pumps will be supported for a period of five years.
Currently, the hospital provides complete medical care for type 1 diabetes management at no cost to approximately 400 children. The Type 1 Diabetes Initiative, launched in 2019 by P. D. Hinduja Hospital and Hinduja Foundation, aims to address the specific needs of children and young adults living with type 1 diabetes. Since its inception, the programme has supported more than 400 children and invested over INR 11 crore to build a sustainable care model.
The initiative has led to improved clinical outcomes, including a reduction in average HbA1c levels from 10.2 per cent to between 7 per cent and 8 per cent. It has also led to a 75 per cent decrease in hospitalisations and has enhanced treatment adherence through regular counselling and life skills education.
Gautam Khanna, CEO, P. D. Hinduja Hospital & Medical Research Centre, said, “Today’s event marks an important milestone in our ongoing efforts to assist underprivileged children and their families in managing Type 1 Diabetes. The Hinduja Foundation and P. D. Hinduja Hospital have worked tirelessly over the years to develop a comprehensive and sustainable model of care and research as part of the Type 1 Diabetes Initiative. We remain deeply committed to expanding equal access to quality healthcare and doing scientific research that will define the future of diabetes care in India and around the world. The quality of life of these kids and even their families has had a positive impact with this program. With this program we aim to contribute to therapy management, research and therapy cure solutions for Type 1 Diabetes.”
Dr Phulrenu Chauhan, Head – Department of Endocrinology at P. D. Hinduja Hospital & MRC, said, “With the support of Hinduja Group and Hinduja Foundation, we are proud to donate insulin pumps to 20 children as part of our Insulin Pump Therapy Initiation Program. This is just one step in our broader Type 1 Diabetes Initiative, which has been providing comprehensive, free-of-cost care to about 400 children. With the insulin pumps, we are ensuring better blood sugar control, fewer complications, and a higher quality of life for these children, while the T1DI clinic continues to offer life-changing treatment, education, and ongoing support.”
Type 1 diabetes is a chronic condition that requires ongoing management. Patients typically require four insulin injections daily, two to four blood glucose checks, regular laboratory monitoring, consultations, and training in carbohydrate counting, insulin titration, and lifestyle changes. The cost of managing the condition is high due to the recurring expenses of insulin, syringes, glucose test strips, and clinical care. Many children from lower-income backgrounds are unable to access these essential services, resulting in complications and early mortality. The hospital and foundation cover these costs to ensure access to critical treatment.
Dr Ashish Mendhi, Program Director, Hinduja Foundation, said, “This initiative stands as a beacon of what targeted, compassionate, and evidence-based care can achieve, especially when directed toward vulnerable populations. In collaboration with P. D. Hinduja Hospital, today’s event underscores Hinduja Foundation’s commitment to continue expanding the program’s reach, advancing scientific research, and shaping dialogue on equitable and effective T1D care.”
The Type 1 Diabetes Initiative continues to serve as a model of evidence-based chronic disease management that prioritises access and long-term sustainability.