‘Amputation-Free India’: Walkathon Held in Kochi to Raise Awareness on Preventing Vascular Diseases

KOCHI:

As part of the nationwide Amputation-Free India campaign, the India and Kerala chapters of the Vascular Society, in association with Amrita Hospital, organised a walkathon in Kochi. The walkathon, aimed at creating awareness of vascular diseases, their preventive measures, and treatment options, was flagged off by Ernakulam MP Hibi Eden. People must be aware of vascular and lifestyle diseases, Eden said on the occasion. He noted that many people lose their limbs due to a lack of awareness about vascular diseases or available remedies and the awareness campaign launched to address this issue is highly significant.

About 300 participants, including healthcare professionals, members of youth clubs, and the general public, joined the walkathon that commenced from Decathlon in Kalamassery. Vascular surgeons Dr. Siddharth Viswanathan, Dr. Sudheendran S., Dr. Vimal Iype, and Dr. Saleesh addressed the gathering. The walkathon drew attention to the need for early diagnosis and timely treatment of vascular diseases.

Lack of awareness often results in patients reaching advanced stages of the disease, sometimes leading to the need for amputation. This risk is particularly high among individuals with diabetes. Once vascular disease sets in, timely intervention by a vascular surgeon becomes crucial. With advanced treatment options such as angioplasty and bypass surgery, up to 95% of amputations can be prevented, said Dr. Sunil Rajendran, President of the Vascular Society of Kerala and Senior Consultant in the Department of Vascular Surgery at Starcare Hospital.