Foot problems are among the most severe consequences of diabetes, often leading to lower limb amputations and significant social and economic costs for individuals. In India, walking barefoot, influenced by social and religious traditions, is common outdoors and indoors. Unfortunately, this practice significantly contributes to foot problems among individuals with diabetes. Foot infections tend to be neglected until they become severe, increasing the risk of lower limb amputations.Encouraging individuals with diabetes to wear appropriate footwear and addressing foot ulcerations in their early stages can help reduce the incidence of major amputations. The Diabetic Foot Care Clinic at the Jain Institute of Vascular Sciences in Bangalore has extensive experience in training healthcare workers and providing counselling and treatment for people with diabetic foot problems.The project aims to enhance diabetic foot care by training healthcare personnel and establishing ten-foot care centres and a mobile foot clinic.
The project comprises the following key steps:1. Training for Paramedical Workers: A one-month course combining academic education and hands-on experience will be offered to paramedical workers. Two selected healthcare workers will undergo this training each month at the Diabetic Foot Care Clinic of the Jain Institute of Vascular Sciences.2. Deployment of Trained Personnel: Following the course, the trained healthcare workers will return to their respective health units and continue providing diabetic foot care.3. Establishment of Foot Care Centres: The project will assist the trained healthcare workers in setting up and managing foot care centres. Ten-foot care centres will be established across the state of Karnataka.4. Mobile Foot Care Clinic: A mobile foot care clinic will deliver diabetic foot care and education to individuals with diabetes in remote areas within a 150-kilometre radius of Bangalore. The mobile clinic is expected to visit 20 outreach areas each month, serving approximately 30 individuals with diabetes during each visit.
- 48 Healthcare workers trained- 10 Foot clinics established- 583 Mobile foot clinics visits- 26,120 Individuals reached through outreach activities