Padham Padhukaapom Thittam
In India, Diabetic foot ulcers (DFUs) affect 6.2% of individuals with diabetes (Sahu et al., 2024). 85% of DFUs results in limb amputations, indicating a significant health burden and loss in the quality of life.
The Integrated Diabetic Foot Care Programme titled “Padham Padhukaapom Thittam”, launched on 28th October 2024, is a first-of-its kind program in the country built on the foundation of the Government’s flagship Scheme for NCDs, ‘Makkalai Thedi Maruthuvam (MTM)’. The Program covers a broad spectrum of services in Podiatry care which is inclusive of Foot screening, Patient education, Ulcer prevention, Wound care, Prescription of footwear, Surgical offloading, Rehabilitation and provision of Prosthesis in case of amputation.
- Diabetic Foot Screening services established in all 2,336 PHCs.
- Establishment of an exclusive & unique Diabetic Foot Clinics in 101 DMS institutions and 36 Medical College Hospitals.
- High End Diabetic Foot Surgery Services in 15 Medical College Hospitals.
The programme leverages digital platforms to strengthen service delivery and ensure continuity of care. Screening and Service delivery data are captured through the MTM Portal at the community level and facility levels, enabling seamless tracking of beneficiaries across different tiers of care.
As on 31.03.2026, 88.60 Lakhs Diabetic patients have been screened in Tamil Nadu for Diabetic foot. Of those screened, 57,158 individuals were identified with foot ulcers and referred to Diabetic Foot Clinics at secondary and tertiary care institutions for further management. Subsequently, 32,939 surgical procedures have been performed at Government Medical College Hospitals under the programme.
In addition, 17 Exclusive CMCHIS packages are provided for High End Surgeries under Patham Pathukapoom Thittam. The health care financing under CMCHIS serves as a proxy indicator for the reduction in out-of-pocket expenditures (OOPE) for the beneficiaries.