IPACON 2026 in Hyderabad brings together healthcare professionals to address the rising threat of diabetic lower-limb amputations, emphasising early diagnosis, specialised training, and multidisciplinary prevention strategies.
Hyderabad is hosting IPACON 2026 this week as doctors, researchers and allied health professionals gather to confront one of diabetes’ most serious and preventable complications: lower-limb amputation. The two-day congress, organised by the Indian Podiatry Association and its Telangana chapter, opened on 29 August and has drawn more than 400 delegates from India and overseas, according to reports from City Air News and UNI. The meeting is centred on diabetic foot care, limb salvage and a wider push to improve early diagnosis and treatment.
The scientific programme reflects the scale of the problem. According to the event reports, the agenda spans diabetic foot reconstruction, revascularisation, wound healing, infection control, osteomyelitis, antibiotic stewardship, offloading, gait assessment, regenerative therapies and rehabilitation. More than 50 faculty members are taking part in 30 scientific sessions, while practical workshops are covering techniques such as total contact casting, debridement, vascular procedures and advanced wound healing.
At the opening ceremony, P.V. Ramesh, a retired IAS officer and former special chief secretary in the Andhra Pradesh government, called for podiatry to be recognised as a distinct medical discipline in India and for specialised training programmes in medical colleges. He also urged stronger primary care, earlier screening and better coordination between healthcare workers, regulators and policymakers. Dr. A.P.S. Suri, founder and national president of the Indian Podiatry Association, used the congress to call for an “Amputation-Free India by 2047”, arguing that better screening, public awareness and multidisciplinary care could prevent avoidable amputations.
Speakers also stressed that simple foot checks can save limbs. Dr. David B. Alper, a board member of the American Podiatric Medical Association, said routine examinations, even brief ones, can pick up early warning signs before damage becomes severe. Dr. K.V.N.N. Santosh Murthy, president of the IPA Telangana chapter, said the conference was intended to connect prevention, vascular care, reconstruction and rehabilitation, while Dr. Reginold D. Lam said the aim was to bridge evidence, innovation and clinical practice. The wider message from Hyderabad was clear: in a country with rising diabetes cases, foot care is not a niche concern but a public health priority.
Disclaimer: This content is for informational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical judgment, advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
