In a bid to transform the lives of young individuals and unlock their potential, Dayanand Medical College and Hospital (DMC & H) has partnered with the Anushkaa Foundation to combat clubfoot, a significant disability affecting children in developing countries. The ‘Step Well Clinic,’ a super-speciality facility, was inaugurated in the Orthopaedics Department to mark World Clubfoot Day. This clinic will provide comprehensive services, including orthopaedics, paediatrics, physiotherapy, and orthotics, all under one roof.
The inauguration ceremony was led by Sh. Bipin Gupta, Secretary of the DMC & H Managing Society, along with Sh. Mukesh Verma, Treasurer, Dr. G S Wander, Principal, Dr. Sandeep Kaushal, Dean of Academics, Dr. Sandeep Sharma, Dr. Ashwani K Chaudhary, Dr. Bishav Mohan, and other faculty members from the Departments of Orthopaedics, Paediatrics, and Gynaecology.
India represents 19% of global clubfoot births, with approximately 33,000 children born with this condition annually. In Punjab, about 500 children are affected each year, and fewer than 15% of these children in low- and middle-income countries receive treatment. Mr. Sunil Kant Munjal, President of the DMC & H Managing Society, highlighted that untreated clubfoot leads to lifelong disability and social exclusion, yet it is entirely treatable, allowing children to lead active, healthy lives.
Mr. Bipin Gupta expressed his satisfaction with the expanded scope of treatment in collaboration with the Anushkaa Foundation, which operates in 140 districts across 10 Indian states to eradicate clubfoot.
Dr. Rajnish Garg, Professor and Head of Orthopaedics, explained that clubfoot is a congenital condition where one or both feet are twisted abnormally. He emphasized that early treatment with Ponsetti’s method can successfully correct the deformity. Dr. Deepak Jain, Professor of Orthopaedics and Nodal Officer for the project, mentioned that the partnership with Anushkaa Foundation will improve the quality of clubfoot care, provide awareness sessions, offer high-quality braces, and ensure regular follow-ups. Efforts will also be made to integrate these services with government programs like the Rashtriya Bal Swasthya Karyakram.