PU to get AI-based diabetic foot screening clinic under Rs 10L CSR project

Chandigarh: A technology-driven foot screening facility for diabetic patients is set to be established at the health centre of Panjab University, backed by a Rs 10 lakh corporate social responsibility (CSR) grant. More cost of the project cost, approximately Rs 5 lakh, is being contributed by the implementing agency, pointing to a shared funding model.The facility, termed a Digital Podiatry Clinic, is being implemented by PI-RAHI with CSR support. It is aimed at improving early detection of diabetic foot complications, which often go unnoticed until they become severe.The system differs from routine clinical practice where patients typically undergo separate tests across departments. In this case, multiple assessments, including nerve sensitivity, vascular status and plantar pressure, are integrated into a single workflow, allowing clinicians to evaluate risk in one sitting. Developed by Bengaluru-based startup, the platform uses AI-supported analysis to classify risks such as neuropathy and peripheral arterial disease. It also generates digital reports and maintains patient records to enable follow-up monitoring over time.Those involved say the model is being positioned as a combined screening and monitoring system rather than a standalone diagnostic setup. While individual components of such testing exist in hospitals, integrated systems of this kind are not widely deployed in institutional health centres in the region.Prof Rajat Sandhir, Director of PI-RAHI, said the initiative is intended to support early diagnosis and tracking. "The initiative is expected to improve clinical efficiency and enable early diagnosis, thereby reducing the risk of severe complications such as ulcers and amputations. The platform will also create digital patient records to support long-term monitoring and follow-up," he said. Medical practitioners note that outcomes will depend on sustained use, patient follow-up and integration with existing healthcare services. The facility is yet to become operational, and further details on rollout timelines are awaited.BOX- Why this clinic is differentSingle-window screening: Combines nerve, blood flow and pressure tests in one session instead of multiple visitsAI-assisted risk classification: Uses data analysis to flag neuropathy and vascular risks, not just manual assessmentBeyond diagnosis: Generates digital reports and tracks patients over timeDesigned for scale: Lower-cost, minimal-training system aimed at wider deployment beyond specialised centresPreventive focus: Targets early detection before ulcers and complications develop