On the occasion of National Vascular Day, a walkathon was organized in Vijayawada by the Vascular Society of India (VSI) to focus on the critical issues of amputation prevention and vascular health awareness. The walkathon saw enthusiastic participation from over 300 residents, who gathered at Indira Gandhi Stadium, Vijayawada to join the cause. The event was a part of the national walkathon which brought together over 15,000 participants across 30 cities including Vijayawada.
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. Kiran Makineni, Director, Department of Vascular Surgery, People’s Clinic, Vijayawada, said, “Chronic vascular issues may lead to tissue necrosis in the toes, feet, and legs, often necessitating amputation as the sole recourse. Recent clinical data indicates that nearly half of those undergoing such procedures do not survive beyond five years. Our walkathon, a significant step towards our goal, aimed to raise awareness about the life-threatening implications of vascular diseases and advocate for a future without the need for amputations. We sincerely thank the Vascular Society of India for their leadership in driving this initiative and providing invaluable support in advancing these vital objectives.”
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 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.
