US firm opens limb salvage centre for diabetics

Bangalore, June 26 (IANS) US-based medical equipment firm ConvaTec has set up an advanced wound clinic and limb salvage centre in partnership with M.S. Ramaiah Memorial Hospital here to treat foot diseases like ulcers in diabetic patients.

"The centre aims to maintain higher limb salvage rate with the latest medical equipment and facilities to assess peripheral circulation and predict wound healing," Anand Shirur, managing director of the company's Indian subsidiary, said in a statement Thursday.

According to a study by the private hospital, around 15 percent of diabetics across India develop foot ulcers leading to about 45,000 lower limb amputations annually.

"As the diabetes capital of the world, India faces a serious threat of its affected population suffering from foot diseases like foot ulcers," Ramaiah hospital president Naresh Reddy said.

The New Jersey-headquartered company offers products in advanced wound management, ostomy care and continence care, essential for prevention and healing of chronic foot ulcers.

"An upsurge in incidences of limb-associated complications necessitates the need for wound management and centres. We hope our initiative will benefit people across the country," Shirur said.

Noting that amputations were preventable with early diagnosis, Shirur said the clinic would educate diabetics on how to prevent complications and contain the diseases through management at the right stage.

"Through the clinic, we aim to bring best facilities and wound management technology to patients and change the way foot ulcers are perceived and treated in India," he said.

The centre's wound management plan includes clinical assessment and etiology of the wound. Following assessment, treatment will be mutually agreed with the patient in a set timeframe to ensure holistic care.

"The synergy with ConvaTech to set up a specialty clinic on wound management will set new benchmarks in the country," Reddy added.

With four key focus areas - ostomy care, wound therapeutics, continence and critical care and infusion devices - ConvaTec supports healthcare professionals from hospital to the community health setting with its extensive product line.

ConvaTec launched its India operations in December 2012.