38th Prof. M Viswanathan DRC Gold Medal Oration 2024 and Launch of “Wound Clinic Training program” to educate health care providers

135

Chennai, 30 March 2024: The MV Hospital for Diabetes and Prof M Viswanathan Diabetes Research Centre Royapuram today organised the 38th Prof. M Viswanathan DRC Gold Medal Oration in Chennai. A “Wound Clinic Training program” was launched by the hospital to educate healthcare providers and help prevent complications due to Diabetic Foot Infection during this event. The event was graced by Chief Guest Justice Gopinath Menon, Sitting Judge of Kerala High Court.

38th Prof. M Viswanathan Gold Medal Oration was delivered by Dr David Armstrong, Professor of Surgery and Director, Southwestern academic Limb Salvage Alliance (SALSA) at Keck School of Medicine on ‘The Diabetic Foot Remission: Towards more hospital free days for People Living with Diabetes) worldwide’. Lifetime Achievement Awards and Excellence in Diabetic Foot award 2024 were also given to Dignitaries. National RSSDI Officials were honored during the program.

Justice Gopinath Menon, Sitting Judge of Kerala High Court talked about “What Society expects from Doctors”. Dr S. N. Narasingan Dean delivered the Welcome Address and Dr. Jayashree Gopal Associate Dean of the Institute gave the Vote of Thanks.
On the occasion, Dr. Vijay Viswanathan the Head and Chief Diabetologist at the MV Hospital for Diabetes, said MV Diabetes Hospital for Diabetes and Prof M Viswanathan Diabetes Research Centre, Royapuram is planning to conduct a wound care training program for para medical staff and other health care providers. The center has modern wound care facilities and experienced and trained experts for management of diabetic foot ulcers. Around 88.6% of the legs have been saved in the past decade by the Wound Clinic services in the MV Diabetes. The center will facilitate this training program by selecting suitable participants and making them undergo this wound care training program.”

“The program will cover a wide range of topics, including clinical examination of diabetic foot, hands on training on high risk foot assessment, overview of wound clinic, offloading devices and techniques and also teach minor procedures such as callus removal, nail care and basic wound care. The program aimed to equip participants with the essential skills and knowledge required to provide effective wound care. The participants have to take an exam after the training program. We are sure that this All India Wound Clinic Training program will help to reduce amputations in India” added Dr. Vijay Viswanathan.

Low and Middle income countries face high burden of foot related problems among people with diabetes. Low level of awareness about foot care practices and poor management of foot ulcer leads to amputation. Wound care is an integral part of healthcare system. Wound clinics play a crucial role in modern healthcare addressing a wide range of acute and chronic wounds. The demand for wound care services has been steadily increasing, making it vital for healthcare professionals to stay informed about best practices in setting up and running these clinics. An effective translation of appropriate treatment guidelines on the early diagnosis and management of diabetic foot will improve the quality of foot care practices