Manipal: Kasturba Hospital Manipal established a comprehensive Diabetic Foot Clinic in collaboration with World Diabetic Federation here on Wednesday. The clinic was inaugurated by Dr H Vinod Bhat, Vice Chancellor of Manipal University. The clinic will render advanced neurological, musculoskeletal and vascular assessment services and also conservative management of diabetic foot care i.e Laser, pedicure, offloading footwear, footwear prescription and wound dressing.

Dr Poornima Baliga Dean KMC Manipal, Dr (Col) M Dayananda Medical Superintendent and COO, Kasturba Hospital Manipal, Dr Rajashekhar Dean SOAHS, Manipal, Dr G Arun Maiya Professor and Chief, WDF-Diabetic Foot Care & Clinic and other dignitaries were present.

Inaugurating the clinic, Dr H Vinod Bhat said that the focus should now be on Healthy Ageing. Advanced nations are progressing in this direction. Manipal University has research projects ongoing from different departments regarding diabetes and this would create a wealth of knowledge and betterment of treatment facilities. Speaking on the occasion he said, “Kasturba Hospital is ranked as the 4th best hospital in South India, launching of the foot clinic will add to its strength”.

Information, education and communication materials developed under the World Diabetes Foundation project were released by Dr Poornima Baliga, Dean, KMC Manipal and Dr (Col) M Dayananda Medical Superintendent and COO launched the web registry of the Diabetic Foot Clinic.

Dr Arun G Maiya, Professor and Chief, WDF-Diabetic Foot Care Clinic and certified Podiatry Specialist, SOAHS spoke on the occasion and stressed on the importance of Footcare and various aspects of foot care. In the foot clinic, Neurological, Vascular and Musculoskeletal assessment and conservative management of diabetic foot complications will be rendered.

Dr G Arun Maiya, Professor, Department of Physiotherapy is the recipient of the prestigious grant WDF 15-941 project titled “Diabetic foot care: stepping ahead”. Establishment of advanced foot clinic and other primary and peripheral level clinics are important components of the project.