TIRUCHY: Tamil Nadu’s ‘Padham Padhukappom Thittam’, aimed at preventing serious diabetic foot complications through early screening and intervention, has been used to identify and treat patients at risk in Tiruchy through the primary healthcare network.
Under the programme, health workers examine the feet of people with diabetes for ulcers, loss of sensation and other warning signs. While early detection and treatment can help prevent foot loss, doctors say amputation may become necessary when infection or tissue damage is advanced, both to stop its further spread and, in severe cases, to save the patient’s life.
Monitoring data compiled under the programme for the three years up to August 15, 2026 shows that 1,732 amputations were recorded among patients with diabetes in the 40-70 age group in Tiruchy. The severity ranged from removal of a toe or part of the foot to removal of the leg.
“The foot is examined first and the course of treatment is decided based on the condition. If the infection or tissue damage is limited, doctors try to save as much of the foot as possible. In advanced cases, removal of the affected portion may be necessary,” a Health Department official said.
“There are cases where removing a severely infected or dead portion of the foot prevents the infection from spreading further. In such situations, amputation can save the patient’s life, while doctors try to preserve the maximum possible portion of the limb,” the official added.
According to the official, the number of amputations recorded in urban areas of Tiruchy was higher than in rural areas. The data shows that 3,74,070 patients, including those with hypertension and diabetes, were listed under the programme in Tiruchy during the three-year period.
Of them, 1,062 were screened for established foot ulcers or skin manifestations, while 240 were identified as having a foot at risk or neuropathy.
The data also records 1,263 cases of callosity, 245 minor ulcers and 432 major ulcers, besides 2,180 cases classified under “others”. It lists 137 cases of surgical offloading, four cases of limb salvage and 44 cases classified as unsalvageable, apart from the 1,732 amputations.
Further, 2,122 patients with established foot ulcers or skin manifestations were identified and referred with ABHA IDs. Of them, 43 had insurance coverage -- 16 under Chief Minister’s Comprehensive Health Insurance Scheme and 27 under private insurance.
