Portuguese doctors slam generic diabetes sensor rule as unsafe

The Portuguese Medical Association (OM) has strongly criticised a new rule requiring generic prescriptions for diabetes sensors. The decision, made by Infarmed, has sparked concerns over patient safety and the suitability of treating continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) systems like generic medications. Doctors and specialists argue that these devices are not interchangeable and require careful consideration. OM expressed 'deep concern and strong disagreement' with Infarmed’s mandate, warning that it risks compromising treatment quality. Manuel Carlos Lemos, president of OM’s College of Endocrinology and Nutrition, highlighted the potential dangers to patients if sensors are swapped without clinical justification. The Portuguese Diabetes Society also condemned the move, stating that CGM systems differ significantly in functionality and cannot be treated like standard generic drugs.

Physicians stress that each sensor has unique features that directly impact treatment effectiveness. Carlos Cortes, OM’s president, clarified that while efficiency in healthcare is important, it should not lead to rushed or uninformed decisions. The association is now pushing for the measure to be urgently reversed and is demanding open discussions with medical professionals and patient representatives. OM recognises the need for fair and sustainable access to health technologies. However, it insists that complex medical devices must not be treated the same as generic medications, as this could undermine both safety and therapeutic outcomes.

The controversy centres on Infarmed’s decision to enforce generic prescribing for CGM sensors, despite warnings from medical experts. OM and the Portuguese Diabetes Society are calling for the rule to be scrapped, emphasising that patient safety and treatment precision must come first. The outcome will depend on whether authorities reconsider the policy in light of these objections.