Pune: In celebration of National Vascular Day, the Vascular Society of India (VSI) held a walkathon in Pune to spotlight the critical issues of amputation prevention and vascular health awareness.
The event drew over 200 enthusiastic participants who gathered at the Savitribai Phule Pune University’s VC office to support the cause. This local event was part of a national initiative, which saw more than 15,000 participants across 30 cities, including Pune.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), over 1 million limb amputations occur globally each year, many of which are preventable with early intervention and proper management of risk factors.
In India, approximately 40-50% of all amputations result from complications related to vascular diseases, particularly diabetes. This statistic underscores the urgent need for increased awareness and preventive measures to manage risk factors such as high blood sugar, hypertension, and high cholesterol.
Dr. Pranjal Sawant, Consultant Vascular Surgeon at KEM Hospital Pune, flagged off the walkathon, stating, “The majority of surgical amputations are 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, raising awareness about the severity of vascular diseases. We owe this success to the Vascular Society of India for their proactive role and exceptional support.”
Dr. Tapish Sahu, Secretary of the Vascular Society of India, commented on the initiative, saying, “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.”
Dr. P. C. Gupta, President of the Vascular Society of India, added, “Today's event is a significant milestone in our mission to reduce preventable amputations in India.
The nationwide participation demonstrates the growing commitment to vascular health and the power of collective action in driving meaningful change.”
