Vascular Society of India’s Walkathon raises awareness for an amputation-free India
PUNE: On the occasion of National Vascular Day, a walkathon was organized in Pune by the Vascular Society of India (VSI) to focus on the critical issues of amputation prevention and vascular health awareness. Vascular Society of India’s Walkathon saw enthusiastic participation from over 200 residents, who gathered at the VC office of Savitribai Phule Pune University to join the cause. The event was a part of the national walkathon which brought together over 15,000 participants across 30 cities including Pune.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), over 1 million limb amputations occur globally each year, with a significant portion being preventable through early intervention and proper management of risk factors. In India, around 40-50% of all amputations are due to complications from vascular diseases, particularly diabetes. This highlights the critical need for increased awareness and preventive measures to manage risk factors like high blood sugar, hypertension, and high cholesterol.
Flagging off the walkathon, Dr. Pranjal Sawant, Consultant Vascular Surgeon at KEM Hospital Pune said, “The majority of surgical amputations occur due to complications associated with vascular diseases and other conditions affecting blood circulation, such as diabetes and peripheral arterial disease (PAD). This walkathon was a powerful step towards our shared goal of an amputation-free world, increasing awareness about the severity of vascular diseases. We owe this success to the Vascular Society of India for their proactive role and exceptional support.”
Commenting on the initiative, Dr.Tapish Sahu, Secretary of the Vascular Society of India, stated, “Our objective is to enhance community health by establishing a comprehensive vascular healthcare framework, striving for an amputation-free India. The overwhelming response across the nation is very encouraging. It is inspiring to see so many people come together for such a vital cause. The walkathon not only highlights the importance of vascular health but also underscores the power of community in driving change.”
“Today’s event is a significant milestone in our mission to reduce preventable amputations in India,” said Dr. P C Gupta, President of the Vascular Society of India. “The nationwide participation demonstrates the growing commitment to vascular health and the power of collective action in driving meaningful change.”
Preventing vascular diseases requires a multifaceted approach that includes maintaining a healthy lifestyle, regular physical activity, and routine medical check-ups. A balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, along with the avoidance of smoking and excessive alcohol consumption, plays a crucial role in vascular health. Additionally, managing underlying lifestyle conditions through medication and lifestyle changes can significantly reduce the risk of vascular complications. Public awareness campaigns and educational initiatives are essential to inform people about these preventive measures and the importance of early detection and treatment of vascular conditions.
The Vascular Society of India, a prominent chapter of the World Federation of Vascular Societies, collaborates with an extensive network of medical specialists, surgeons, interventionalists, nurses, and allied health professionals, all dedicated to the cause of saving limbs and lives. With over 700 active members across the country, VSI stands as one of the largest and most influential chapters globally, consistently working towards mitigating preventable amputations and enhancing patient care in the vascular health domain.
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