A walkathon was held in Kochi to raise public awareness about vascular diseases, the importance of vascular health, and the need to prevent amputations. The event was organized as part of the nationwide ‘Amputation-Free India’ campaign, jointly by Amrita Hospital, Kochi, the Vascular Society of India, and the Vascular Society of Kerala.

The walkathon, which began from Decathlon, Kalamassery, was flagged off by Shri Hibi Eden, Member of Parliament. He emphasized the urgent need to create awareness among the public about vascular and lifestyle-related diseases.

Speakers at the event included Dr. Sidharth Viswanathan, Senior Consultant, Vascular & Endovascular Surgery; Dr. Sudhindran S, Professor and Head, Vascular & Solid Organ Transplantation; Dr. Salish K.S., Consultant, Vascular & Endovascular Surgery, all from Amrita Hospital, Kochi; and Dr. Vimal Iype , Senior Consultant Vascular & Endovascular Surgeon, Lourdes Hospital, Kochi.

Dr. Sidharth Viswanathan highlighted the importance of maintaining a healthy lifestyle and the need for public awareness on early detection of vascular diseases and limb-threatening conditions. He noted that early diagnosis enables timely and effective treatment, thereby preventing amputations. More than 250 participants from various sectors took part in the walkathon.