India's first 'dedicated diabetic foot clinic' inaugurated

Hyderabad, Aug 23 (UNI) A state-of-the-art diabetic foot clinic, claimed to be the first dedicated facility in the country, was inaugurated at the Image Hospitals here today.

Speaking on the occasion, Mr Jayesh Kakar, who in-charge of the facility, said the clinic offered complete medical and surgical management to all the foot problems like varicose veins, leg pain, swelling, gangrene, leg ulcers and injuries.

Lamenting that India had the distinction of being the ''diabetic country'' of the world and Hyderabad the ''diabetic capital'' of the country, Dr Kakar said 50 to 70 per cent of all non-traumatic leg amputations were carried out in India, due to diabetes and added that about 25 per cent of the patients diagbised diabetics were hospitalised due to foot problems.

In most cases, negligence of the foot and ignorance of the patient and the doctor led to amputation, Dr Kakar said.

He said while a diabetic should have his kidneys, eyes, feet and heart checked at least once in a year, most of them get only their hearts examined and neglect the foot.

Amuputation could be avoided through early detection, he informed.

Dr Kakar said Image Hospitals proposed to run awareness campaigns in the state about the need for foot care by a diabetic, on a large scale.

The clinic was inaugurated by film actress Jayasudha and badminton star Pullela Gopichand participated in the function.

UNI