bangalore indias first insulin pump clinic was launched here at the sagar apollo hospitals centre for endocrinology and diabetes on thursday by former indian cricketer s m h kirmanithe insulin pump is a beeper sized smart device that can be programmed to automatically deliver insulin through a plastic tube attached to the body as per the patients requirementstouted as the best available insulin dependent diabetes therapy at present the pump saves patients the trouble of taking numerous insulin injections and allows them to lead healthy active lives that are similar to nonpatientsthis is one of the best catch in recent times kirmani said referring to the device in his trademark style he told patients both young and old that positive thinking is vital to good healthhe appealed to the government to waive duties and taxes on the device which costs nearly rs 275 lakh plus around rs 8000 per month for maintenance to make it more affordable for patientsaround three juvenile diabetic patients at the hospital are currently using the device in the city sagar apollo vice chairman and ceo dr premchandra sagar said sagar apollo will start an exclusive centre for diabetes by early 2004