Amputations Free India – Campaign to Protect surgical removal of a limb or part of a limb

India is globally known for its rapid economic growth, strong leadership, and diverse culture. With numerous nations investing in India, the country’s prospects appear promising. Each new day in India heralds fresh opportunities. However, alongside industrialization and economic development, health remains a major concern. Amputations, in particular, represent a significant health issue affecting individuals across various demographics and regions in India.

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According to a survey by the World Health Organization, the estimated number of amputees in the developing world is 40 million. In India, as per the 2011 census, the population with disabilities was approximately 2.68 crore, which is 2.22% of the total population. This statistic underscores the importance of understanding the reasons behind amputations and implementing effective prevention strategies as crucial steps toward realizing an amputation-free India.

Amputation involves the surgical removal of a limb or part of a limb. Post-surgery, most patients require prosthetics to cover the amputated part. However, in India, only around 5% of amputees have access to prosthetic devices. Instead, 95% of people prefer repairing or restoring an infected limb, but this option is not always available.

The patient needs intensive postoperative care, including pain management, wound care, and rehabilitation. Rehabilitation may involve physical therapy to strengthen muscles, improve mobility, and adapt to any prosthetic device if needed. Health insurance coverage can be a significant aid, ensuring individuals have timely access to necessary medical treatments and prosthetic devices.

Several medical conditions can lead to amputation, including severe crush injuries, congenital conditions affecting limb development, cancer ablation, diabetes, peripheral vascular disease, severe infections unresponsive to antibiotics, and inadequate healthcare access. Trauma is the most common cause, often resulting from factory, farm, and power tool accidents, as well as motor vehicle accidents. Natural disasters, war, and terrorist attacks can also cause traumatic amputations.

Amputation-Free India: Transformative Campaign

Amputation-Free India is a transformative campaign led by VSI – Vascular Society of India. This campaign seeks to raise awareness about diabetes, provide diagnosis, offer treatment options, and prevent amputation. Rooted in the Vascular Society of India, the campaign aims to educate physicians and scientists in the field of vascular surgery through scientific sessions and instructional programs and also the general public on how to prevent amputation.

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Goals and Vision of the Campaign

The vision for Amputation-Free India is multifaceted, focusing on several key areas:

1. Raising Awareness about Diabetes: Diabetes is a leading cause of amputation. The campaign educates the public on diabetes prevention and management, highlighting the importance of early diagnosis and proper treatment to prevent complications that can lead to amputation.
2. Educational Programs: Organization of scientific sessions and instructional programs to educate physicians and scientists in vascular surgery. These programs aim to disseminate the latest research, surgical techniques, and treatment protocols to improve patient outcomes.
3. Support for Underprivileged Patients: Recognizing the financial barriers many patients face, the campaign endeavours to gather funds to support underprivileged patients. By providing financial assistance, the campaign ensures that more individuals have access to necessary treatments and prosthetic devices.
4. Public Health Education: Beyond diabetes, the campaign educates the public about the importance of vascular health. By raising awareness of conditions like peripheral artery disease (PAD) and promoting healthy lifestyle choices, the campaign aims to reduce the incidence of vascular-related amputations.

Prevention Strategies –

To curb amputations, two main approaches are crucial: primary and secondary prevention. Primary prevention involves reducing the chances of incidents leading to amputation, while secondary prevention focuses on early intervention and proper management to reduce the need for amputation.

Primary Prevention

1. Road Safety: According to a report by the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways, 4,61,312 road accidents were reported by States and Union Territories (UTs) during 2022, resulting in 1,68,491 fatalities and injuries to 4,43,366 people. To reduce these numbers, it is essential to follow traffic regulations, strengthen road infrastructure, adopt safe driving practices, and educate people about road safety measures. Quick access to emergency medical services and trauma care facilities can improve outcomes for accident victims.
2. Workplace Safety: Rapid industrialization in India poses risks to workers, particularly in factories and farms. Proper training, adequate safety equipment, and emergency health treatment can prevent dangerous accidents that lead to amputation.

Secondary Prevention

1. Healthcare Infrastructure Development: Proper healthcare infrastructure should be developed in rural and tribal regions where healthcare supplies are limited. Timely access to medical care for conditions like Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD) and other vascular diseases can prevent limb loss if diagnosed early.
2. Care for Diabetic Patients: Diabetic patients are more prone to amputation due to blocked foot veins and impaired blood flow, leading to infections. Regular check-ups and foot examinations are crucial for diabetic patients. Doctors can educate patients about foot hygiene and provide accurate treatment for foot ulcers to prevent severe infections requiring amputation.
3. Professional Medical Training: Proper healthcare infrastructure and professional medical training can help manage diabetes, vascular disease, and trauma care. Early diagnosis and treatment can improve outcomes and reduce the incidence of amputations.

Understanding the basic causes of amputation and implementing preventive measures can significantly reduce the risk and improve overall health. Developed nations have taken a progressive approach to amputation prevention, investing in healthcare infrastructure, public insurance, education, and community engagement. These measures have helped minimize amputation risk.

To achieve an amputation-free India, we can adopt strategies followed by developed nations. By focusing on education, healthcare infrastructure development, and community engagement, we can strive towards an India where every individual retains their limbs and enjoys a healthier, more fulfilling life.

The journey towards an amputation-free India is both challenging and achievable. By addressing the root causes of amputation, enhancing healthcare infrastructure, and raising awareness, we can significantly reduce the incidence of amputations. Together, we can work towards a future where every individual in India has the opportunity to live a healthy and complete life.

By Dr Ravul Jindal

Director-  Vascular Surgery, Fortis Hospital, Mohali

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