Government Of Tamil Nadu Launches Foot Care Clinics Under The ‘Padham Padhukaappom Thittam’ Initiative

In a landmark move aimed at improving the healthcare infrastructure for Diabetes patients, the Government of Tamil Nadu has issued orders today for the launch of a State-wide foot care initiative under the Padham Padhukaappom Thittam. This program focuses on the prevention and treatment of Diabetic foot complications, which are one of the leading causes of lower limb amputations among Diabetic patients. Built upon the foundation of the State’s flagship ‘Makkalai Thedi Maruthuvam’ scheme, the new foot clinics will offer comprehensive services across 36 Medical College Hospitals in Tamil Nadu, making it the first-of-its-kind state-sponsored program in India.

Addressing a Public Health Crisis

India is home to over 100 million people living with Diabetes, of which a staggering25% face foot complications related to the disease. Tamil Nadu alone has a significant estimate of 80 lakh individuals currently living with Diabetes. Diabetic foot complications, if not addressed early, often result in serious health consequences, including infection, ulceration, and in severe cases, lower limb amputation. In fact, approximately 85% of all diabetic-related amputations are preventable through timely diagnosis and intervention.

Recognizing the urgency of this Public Health issue, the Government of Tamil Nadu has launched the Padham Padhukaappom Thittam to offer early screening and treatment options to patients at risk. The program is expected to screen over 80 lakh diabetic patients across the state, focusing on identifying conditions like peripheral neuropathy and blood vessel occlusion, which are common precursors to diabetic foot complications and ensuring protocol based early intervention.

A Comprehensive Approach to Foot Care

The Padham Padhukaappom Thittam is designed to cover every aspect of foot care for diabetic patients and Tamil Nadu is taking a leading role in preventing unnecessary amputations and improving the quality of life for its diabetic population.

· Government has allocated Rs 26.62 Crores for the programme to set up foot screening clinics in 2336 primary health centres, 299 Government hospital and 36 Medical College Hospitals.

· The programme will provide services to take care of Ulcer Prevention, Wound Care, Surgical Services and Rehabilitation.

This holistic approach ensures that patients receive not only immediate medical attention but also the tools and knowledge to maintain their foot health long-term.

Pilot and scaling up of Padham Padhukaappom Thittam

The Padham Padhukaappom Thittam draws upon the success of a pilot project in Thanjavur district with over 1.68 lakh diabetic patients screened for foot complications, and more than 1.65 lakh patients underwent foot examinations. Following the success of the Thanjavur initiative, the Government of Tamil Nadu has decided toscale up the program to replicate the positive outcomes of the pilot project to all corners of Tamil Nadu.

Collaboration with Leading Medical Institutions

To support the implementation of the Padham Padhukaappom Thittam, the Tamil Nadu Government has entered into a Memorandum of Understanding with Coimbatore Ganga Hospital whose technical expertise has been utilized for providing highest standards of care including surgical offloading, wound care, and rehabilitation. The initiative will be implemented in an integrated manner through close coordination between the General Surgery, Plastic Surgery, and Vascular Surgery departments at all Medical College Hospitals in the state for seamless collaboration between specialists.

Funding and Support

By integrating the foot care clinics into thislarger framework, the government aims to reach even the most remote populations, ensuring that no diabetic patient is left without access to critical care. The government has also committed to providing specialized training for healthcare workers involved in the foot clinics, ensuring that they are equipped with the latest knowledge and skills in diabetic foot care. This training will be essential for the long-term sustainability of the program.

The Path Forward

The Padham Padhukaappom Thittam is not just a program – it is a vision for a healthier future for diabetic patients in Tamil Nadu. By offering early screening, comprehensive care, and timely interventions, the program has the potential to transform the lives of millions of people across the state. Preventing amputationsand improving the quality of life for diabetic patients is a crucial step toward addressing the broader diabetes epidemic in India. Through the Padham Padhukaappom Thittam, the Government of Tamil Nadu is committed to making foot care accessible, affordable, and effective for all diabetic patientssetting a newstandard for diabetic care in India and the world.

Issued By: – DIPR, Secretariat, Chennai – 9