The ‘Bengal model’ for managing Type 1 diabetes (T1D)—an autoimmune condition commonly diagnosed in children and teenagers—is now attracting international attention. Several Southeast Asian countries have expressed interest in adopting the model to strengthen their own diabetes care programmes.
Currently implemented across 15 districts in West Bengal, the programme focuses on early detection, continuous management through free insulin distribution, structured referrals, and long-term rehabilitation. As a result, the initiative has significantly improved healthcare access for children living with T1D.
International Collaboration Begins
Recognising the success of the programme, Action4Diabetes (A4D), a UK-based organisation working with children and young adults with diabetes across Asia, has approached the West Bengal health department to study the model in detail.
State government officials confirmed that the organisation is keen to understand the design, implementation strategies, operational framework, and digital systems used in the programme.
Southeast Asian Countries Consider Adoption
According to sources, the West Bengal health department is preparing to share the detailed framework of the programme with countries that have shown interest in replicating it. These include Cambodia, Vietnam, Thailand, Malaysia, Myanmar, and the Philippines, among others.
Through this collaboration, health authorities in these countries aim to adapt the model to strengthen diabetes care systems for children and adolescents.
India’s First Structured Programme for Juvenile Diabetes
West Bengal is the first state in India to introduce a structured public health programme for children with Type 1 diabetes. In this condition, the pancreas loses its ability to produce insulin, which leads to dangerously high blood sugar levels and requires lifelong insulin therapy.
A team from the Endocrinology Department at IPGMER-SSKM Hospital, led by Professor Sujoy Ghosh, designed and developed the model.
Initially launched as a pilot project in five districts in 2022, the programme has since expanded to 15 districts. Officials are now considering extending it to 13 additional districts, further broadening its reach.
Other Indian States Also Show Interest
As reported by TOI, the programme’s success has also drawn attention within India. Eight other states are currently exploring similar models to strengthen care for children with juvenile diabetes.
State Principal Health Secretary Narayan Swaroop Nigam confirmed the growing interest in the initiative.
“The Bengal model for T1D is now a published work. We should support others if they wish to replicate such effective healthcare practices,” he said.
Nigam also noted that A4D Regional Manager Fiona Ooi wrote to Professor Sujoy Ghosh of SSKM Hospital, seeking guidance on implementing the model in other countries.
Focus on Data, Technology and Governance
In its communication, Action4Diabetes requested detailed information about several operational aspects of the programme. Specifically, the organisation wants a demonstration of the software platform used for patient management, along with insights into implementation processes, governance structures, and data management systems.
“Our intention is to learn from and adopt the most effective and relevant aspects of the West Bengal model, adapting these insights to strengthen T1D programmes across Southeast Asia,” the organisation stated in its letter.
Supported by UNICEF and National Health Mission
The Bengal T1D programme operates through non-communicable disease (NCD) clinics and currently supports around 1,700 children. It receives support from UNICEF and the National Health Mission (NHM).
Importantly, the programme also maintains comprehensive data records, documenting clinical outcomes, treatment adherence, and the economic burden faced by families. This structured data-driven approach has helped improve care delivery and programme monitoring.
Improved Access and Zero Mortality
Reflecting on the programme’s progress, Professor Sujoy Ghosh, who spearheaded the initiative, highlighted its impact on accessibility and patient outcomes.
“In the beginning, we had barely 100 children when the clinic started at SSKM. Today, this model has significantly improved accessibility, enabling us to diagnose more children and ensure continuous care. Although the number of patients has increased, we have recorded zero deaths due to this sustainable care model,” he said.
Experts Likely to Share Knowledge Globally
Once the state health department grants formal approval, Professor Ghosh and his team are expected to share their expertise with Action4Diabetes to facilitate the model’s adaptation in other countries.
If implemented successfully, the Bengal model could become an important blueprint for strengthening Type 1 diabetes care for children across Southeast Asia, improving both access to treatment and long-term health outcomes.