Karnataka Leads National Push on Diabetic Foot Prevention with Launch of PRAIAS Initiative
Summary: Karnataka has launched the PRAIAS (Podiatry Reach Across India for Awareness and Screening) initiative at Gulbarga Institute of Medical Sciences in Kalaburagi to combat the rising burden of diabetic foot complications. Conceptualized by diabetic foot surgeons Dr. Sanjay Sharma and Dr. Pavan Belehalli and driven by FootSecure and StrideAide, the program features India’s first Digital Podiatry Screening Van equipped with advanced diagnostic tools. The mobile unit will travel across the country, focusing on underserved and remote areas to provide screening, awareness, and early intervention. Globally, a limb is lost every 20 seconds due to diabetes; in India, a new diabetic foot ulcer develops every 12 seconds. The initiative aims to reduce amputations through timely detection, education, and lifestyle management, with strong support from Karnataka’s Minister for Medical Education.
Key Highlights:
- First-of-its-kind Digital Podiatry Screening Van for nationwide outreach
- Focus on early detection and prevention in rural/underserved communities
- Led by Dr. Sanjay Sharma and Dr. Pavan Belehalli; supported by FootSecure and StrideAide
- Addresses alarming statistics: limb lost every 20 seconds globally due to diabetes
Keywords: PRAIAS initiative, diabetic foot prevention, screening van, Sanjay Sharma