The CWM Hospital in Suva has disclosed troubling statistics on diabetes-related foot surgeries, reporting over 560 procedures in the first half of this year. Alarmingly, nearly 30% of these surgeries involved major amputations. Vascular Surgeon Dr. Sela Koyamaibole has underscored the urgent need for enhanced awareness and preventive measures to save both limbs and lives.
Dr. Koyamaibole explained that patients often come in at advanced stages of their conditions due to pervasive fear of amputation, which can lead to even more severe health complications. He stated, “We still see a lot of cases that come in very late, and that can be due to mindset. A lot of people have that fear that as soon as they come to the hospital, they’ll get amputated.”
This alarming situation echoes previous concerns raised by Dr. Devina Nand, Head of Wellness at the Ministry of Health and Medical Services, who noted a significant rise in diabetes-related amputations. Her studies revealed that from 2010 to 2015, a total of 1,586 amputations had been recorded, highlighting a critical public health crisis. Dr. Nand pointed out that nearly 80% of deaths in Fiji are linked to non-communicable diseases (NCDs) such as diabetes, with many of those affected often struggling to live past the age of 70.
Key risk factors identified by Dr. Anesh Chand, a Medical Officer at the Diabetes Centre, include family history of diabetes, obesity, and lack of physical activity. Timely intervention and awareness could potentially prevent many of these amputations in the future.
The alarming statistics provide a wake-up call for individuals and communities alike to adopt healthier lifestyle changes. Through increased education and healthcare initiatives, there is hope for a decrease in diabetes cases and related complications, ultimately leading to improved health outcomes for Fijians.
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