Havana, June 1 (RHC)— Treatment with Heberprot-P has decreased amputations resulting from diabetic foot ulcers by 71 percent among Cubans, says Manuel Raices, from the Center of Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology.

The medication, developed by Cuban scientists, was applied in the country for the first time in 2007.

The comprehensive care program with Heberprot-P has reached over 88,000 patients in the last 12 years and has prevented some 17,000 amputations; the specialist told Prensa Latina during the 1st International Diabetes Congress recently concluded in Havana.

The positive results have been possible thanks to the expansion of the therapy and making it available free of charge to patients in some 405 polyclinics or primary care units and 55 secondary, Raices highlighted.

He pointed out that about 12,000 patients were treated in 2018 and amputations were limited to some 1,700, when in fact there should have been 4,000. This medical achievement helps the health system reduce costs and for the population.

The specialist noted that Heberprot-P has been a great contribution world leader in the comprehensive management of diabetes.