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.