The Baqai Institute of Diabetology and Endocrinology (BIDE) in Karachi has launched a round-the-clock helpline for people with diabetes who develop foot wounds, ulcers or infections. The service gives callers immediate guidance and referrals to appropriate care.
The helpline was launched at the institute’s three-day International Conference on Diabetes and Diabetic Foot 2026 in Karachi, as reported by Dawn on 31 August.
Why a helpline
Delay is one of the biggest drivers of amputation. Patients with neuropathy may not feel a wound, and many wait until infection sets in before seeking help. A helpline offers an early point of contact so that people can be directed quickly to a diabetic foot service.
Experts at the conference said nearly 300,000 diabetes-related amputations take place in Pakistan every year, about 34 every hour. BIDE Director Professor Zahid Miyan said more than three million people in Pakistan are living with diabetes-related foot wounds.
A wider push in Pakistan
The helpline adds to other efforts to strengthen diabetic foot services in Pakistan, including a World Diabetes Foundation project adding footcare to 171 rural health centres. Professional groups have also called on government to establish dedicated diabetic foot clinics across the country, as reported by Business Recorder.
IMEA POD Perspective
A helpline is a simple, low-cost idea that tackles the delay between a wound appearing and a patient seeing a specialist. Its impact will depend on what sits behind it: fast-track appointments, trained staff to take the calls, and enough diabetic foot clinics to receive referrals. If BIDE publishes data on call volumes and outcomes, the model could be useful to health systems across South Asia, the Gulf and Africa, where many people with diabetes live far from specialist foot care.
Sources and further reading
- Dawn: Diabetic foot helpline launched
- Business Recorder: Government urged to establish diabetic foot clinics across Pakistan
- World Diabetes Foundation: Rural footcare project, Pakistan