The Hindu Business Line : Gadget to detect foot-related problems

SUNDARAM Medical Foundation (SMF) and the Indian Institute of Technology, Madras, have jointly developed a machine to detect foot-related problems that are an offshoot of diabetes. Early detection is expected to minimise the possibility of amputation for diabetics.

At a press conference on Friday, Mr S. Ravindran, Trustee and Chief Executive of SMF, said the machine, pedopowergraph, would cost around Rs 4 lakh when commercialised. Currently, similar machines are imported into India at a cost of Rs 8-10 lakh.

Dr R. Parivalavan, who runs the diabetic foot clinic at SMF, told the media that a study in a hospital showed that the average cost of treatment of diabetic foot complications is Rs 30,000-40,000 (excludes cost of simultaneous treatment for diabetes).

Other than the Chennai-based SMF and IIT, Brakes India (part of industry group that promoted SMF) is also involved in finding a solution to the problem. Mr Ravindran said that Brakes India's deep knowledge of rubber has been used to make custom-made foot wear for the purpose.

Brakes India would make footwear once the pedopowergraph identified the part of a diabetic's sole that needed protection. The custom-made foot-wear would cost about Rs 500.

Putting the development in context, Dr Arjun Rajagopalan, SMF's Chief of Medical Staff, said that the hospital's community-oriented approach led to the search for preventive measures in the field. SMF is a "not for profit" hospital. He described the whole project as one "evolved in India for Indians." The machine is rugged and has few moving parts, said hospital officials.

A team from IIT Madras led by Prof K.M. Patil wrote the software for the pedopowergraph. SMF and IIT, who teamed up in 1995, have jointly applied for an Indian patent for the pedopowergraph.

An SMF press release said that 12.1 per cent of Indians over the age 20 have diabetes. India is soon expected to have the largest number of diabetics in the world.

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