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Diabetes is an overwhelming global concern that vastly affects people across classes and cultures. There are an estimated 72.96 million cases of diabetes in the adult population of India. The prevalence in urban areas ranges between 10.9% and 14.2% while in rural India, 3.0 - 7.8% was observed in a population of age 20 and above - with a distinctly higher prevalence among individuals aged over 50 (INDIAB Study).
The exponential rise in the number of diabetic patients in Kerala, which is starkly contrasted by the size of this state, has directed the attention of the medical fraternity to poor lifestyles, improper diets and sedentary exercise habits, which are the leading causes of diabetes. While there are a few urban-focused medical centres within Thiruvananthapuram city, the number of medical institutions that offer diabetic foot-centred care and treatment to semi-urban and rural communities is notably scarce. In semi-urban areas such as Parassala, even the few medical facilities that are available in peripheral regions lack quality diabetic foot care.
In this project, the Rotary club proposes to partner with Saraswathy Educational Trust and Saraswathy Hospital to screen diabetic patients who are at risk of diabetic foot ulcers or are presented with minor ulcers with or without infection. The screening shall take place in a fully equipped mobile van, meeting the outreach needs of the urban and semi-urban locales of Trivandrum and Kanyakumari districts. After the screening, the patients are provided with the necessary treatment and appropriate surgeries as part of preventative care. Through this initiative, we hope to benefit patients with neuropathy, in particular. Both Saraswathy Educational Trust and Saraswathy Hospital share a strong sense of social commitment and have been carrying out other diabetic-centred projects wherein patients are offered free of cost treatment and care. The logistics involved are:
a) a mobile bus well equipped with diabetic screening instruments;
b) expert medical teams for screening and counselling for identified patients; c) minor, moderate, and major surgery and post-care services.
This project aims to conduct screenings for 1,800 beneficiaries and carry out necessary surgeries for approximately 75 patients located in Thiruvananthapuram & Kanyakumari districts. The duration of this initiative is 18 months.
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