The clinic will offer various facilities that include screening, pathology, wound care, surgical care and interventional procedures
Fortis Hiranandani Hospital Vashi has launched Navi Mumbai’s 1st ‘Diabetic Foot Clinic’. The clinic was inaugurated by Sanjay Vilasrao Mohite (IPS), Joint Commissioner of Police, Navi Mumbai & Dr Arun Bal, coveted Diabetic Foot Surgeon & a veteran in Diabetic Foot since 1984. The center will be headed by Hiranandani Hospital Vashi’s Dr Farah Ingale, Director-Internal Medicine; her team will include Dr Roji Philip, Consultant-General & Laparoscopic Surgery, Dr Atul Ingale, Senior Consultant-Nephrologist & Transplant Physician, Dr Anil Potdar, Director & Head-Cardiology and Dr Pavan Ojha, Senior Consultant-Neurology.
Diabetic patients suffer from various problems including Diabetic Foot. These patients often experience reduced blood supply to their feet, which can significantly affect their lifestyle, causing difficulty in walking, and, in severe cases, the foot may have to be amputated. This clinic aims to address this issue in a timely manner and provide the much-needed surgical and medical intervention. The clinic will offer various facilities that include screening, pathology, wound care, surgical care and interventional procedures.
Mohite said, “Foot problems are common in patients with Diabetes, however, these need attention and coordinated efforts from a medical team. Addressing these problems before they start hampering the quality of life is crucial. I believe this clinic is a progressive step towards bridging this care gap, and building awareness amongst diabetic patients that timely treatment and adopting preventive actions can go a long way”.
Dr Bal said, “In India, there are 78 million diabetic patients, out of which, 15 percent suffer from foot problems. Also, out of these 15 percent, one percent lose their limbs. The problem is preventable if every diabetic patient undergoes a foot examination once a year and checks the function of the nerve, blood vessels & joints. However, most patients ignore their limbs and instead prefer routine checkups for their eyes, Kidneys, Heart, etc. Patients with foot ulcers are more in number as compared to those suffering from Prostate Cancer, Breast Cancer and skin disease. Also, the mortality of diabetic patients who suffer from peripheral vascular disease (blocked blood supply) is high, and ranks after Pancreas & Lung cancer. Despite this, the disease’s high mortality rate remains unrecognised because foot examinations are not routinely conducted.”
Dr Ingale said, “Diabetic patients suffering from type 1 or type 2 diabetes, across any age group can suffer from the Diabetic Foot. 50 per cent of non-traumatic amputations are undertaken because of diabetes. Thus, these patients must keep their sugar under control and seek treatment at the earliest. Controlling blood sugar levels is crucial for treating infections in diabetic patients, as well as preventing the onset of new infections. These patients need care from head to toe, hence, our multidisciplinary team will be working together to build their care plan, and offer appropriate treatment.”
Talking about the clinic launch Nitin Kamaria, Facility Director, Hiranandani Hospital, Vashi-A Fortis Network Hospital said, “The magnitude of Diabetic Foot problems is high; launching this clinic is a progressive step towards addressing this use, helping reduce mortality rates, build awareness and drive home the importance of timely health checks, which will aid in prevention. This clinic is our effort at providing comprehensive treatment for diabetic patients under one roof.”