Padham Padhukaapom Thittam
Tamil Nadu’s Integrated Diabetic Foot Care Programme aims to prevent amputations through early screening, advanced treatment, and comprehensive foot care services for diabetic patients across the State.
Overview
Launched on 28.10.2024, this programme builds upon the State’s flagship NCD initiative Makkalai Thedi Maruthuvam (MTM). It delivers end-to-end podiatry care including screening, education, wound care, surgical management, rehabilitation, and prosthetic support.
Objectives
- Screen over 80 lakh diabetic patients across Tamil Nadu
- Detect peripheral neuropathy and vascular complications early
- Prevent lower limb amputations through timely intervention
- Provide integrated care through multi-specialty collaboration
Programme Scope
Comprehensive Care
- Foot screening and risk assessment
- Patient education and ulcer prevention
- Wound care and infection management
- Footwear support and rehabilitation
- Prosthesis support in case of amputation
Healthcare Network
- 2336 PHCs
- 299 Government Hospitals
- 36 Medical College Hospitals
Specialized Services
- Foot Clinics in major hospitals
- Surgical offloading procedures
- Advanced diabetic foot surgeries
- Rehabilitation and follow-up care
Multi-Department Integration
- General Surgery
- Plastic Surgery
- Vascular Surgery
Need for the Programme
India has over 10 crore diabetic patients, with nearly 25% developing foot complications and 85% leading to amputations. Diabetic foot has emerged as a major public health challenge.
Pilot Success – Thanjavur Model
Screening Coverage
1,68,430 patients screened and 1,65,681 examined for foot complications.
Clinical Interventions
Surgical offloading procedures performed and 12 surgical camps conducted.
Outcome
Successful implementation within one year, establishing a scalable model for the State.
Statewide Expansion
- Establishment of Foot Clinics in 36 Medical College Hospitals
- Expansion to 100 District, Taluk & Non-Taluk Hospitals
- Introduction of structured podiatry services across Tamil Nadu
- Partnership with Coimbatore Ganga Hospital for specialized expertise
Key Features
- Largest diabetic foot screening programme at state level
- Integration with MTM for community outreach
- Use of multi-specialty clinical approach
- Focus on prevention rather than amputation
Vision: To make Tamil Nadu a global leader in diabetic foot care by ensuring early detection, preventing amputations, and delivering comprehensive, patient-centric care.