DNA India
01 February 2011
By Nozia Sayyed
Pune, India

To tackle the growing number of diabetes cases and create awareness about the medical condition, Mumbai–based NGO, Chellaram Foundation, launched a diabetes care institute, Chellaram Diabetes Institute (CDI), at Bavdhan Budruk on Saturday.

It is estimated that they are currently about 50 million people living with diabetes in India and the number is expected to double by 2040. Giving more details about the new initiative, foundation trustee Sushil Seth told DNA that diabetes was selected because many patients diagnosed with this ailment lack awareness.

"Nobody takes it seriously. We aim to educate people about its complications and how harmful it can turn out to be. We also plan to carry out research–based activities in the city with the help of prominent institutes and diabetologists. Educational activities and continuous medical education programmes at the institute will also be conducted on a regular basis," Seth said.

Over 50 doctors, nurses and paramedics will serve the institute and patients, he said. The present facility at the CDI includes diabetes clinic, outpatient department, ophthalmology department, cardiology, nephrology, physiotherapy, diabetic foot care, pharmacy and lifestyle consultancy.

The available diagnostic service includes pathology, radiology and ultrasound scanning. Minor surgeries and day care too will be carried out at the institute, said Seth, adding that the institute also aims at training medical professionals on the latest treatment practices for diabetes, empowering patients with right information on dealing with their condition and spreading awareness through a special rural outreach programme.