40th Prof. M. Viswanathan Oration Lecture Highlights Government–Healthcare Synergy in Combating Diabetes
Chennai, March 22, 2026: The 40th Prof. M. Viswanathan Gold Medal Oration was held at M.V. Diabetes and the Prof. M. Viswanathan Diabetes Research Centre in Royapuram, Chennai, bringing together leading experts, policymakers, and healthcare professionals to emphasize the critical role of collaboration between government and healthcare systems in addressing the growing diabetes burden.
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| (L to R) Dr. A.V. Anoop, Managing Director of AVA Group of Companies; Dr. Ashok Kumar Das, Dean (Academics) and Emeritus Professor at Mahatma Gandhi Medical College and Research Institute, Puducherry; Dr. Vijay Viswanathan, Chief Physician at M.V. Diabetes and the Prof. M. Viswanathan Diabetes Research Centre and Immediate Past President of RSSDI; Murali K, Director of the Central Footwear Training Institute (CFTI), Chennai |
Dr. A.V. Anoop, Managing Director of AVA Group of Companies, was conferred the MVCON Lifetime Achievement Award in recognition of his pioneering efforts in integrating Ayurveda with modern medicine. His work highlights the potential of traditional systems like Ayurveda in complementing contemporary diabetology practices. The event was graced by Chief Guest Shri Murali K, Director of the Central Footwear Training Institute (CFTI), Chennai, an institution under the Ministry of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises, Government of India, dedicated to skill development in the footwear and allied sectors.
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Dr. Vijay Viswanathan, Chief Physician at M.V. Diabetes and the Prof. M. Viswanathan Diabetes Research Centre and Immediate Past President of RSSDI, spoke about the launch of his book on diabetic foot care during the event. A globally recognized expert and member of the International Working Group on the Diabetic Foot (IWGDF), Dr. Viswanathan emphasized that the publication reflects decades of clinical expertise and research in managing diabetic foot complications.
The prestigious 40th Prof. M. Viswanathan Gold Medal Oration was delivered by Dr. Ashok Kumar Das, Dean (Academics) and Emeritus Professor at Mahatma Gandhi Medical College and Research Institute, Puducherry. In his address on the “Association of Government & Diabetes,” he underscored the disproportionate burden of diabetes in low- and middle-income countries and highlighted the alarming rise of diabetes among individuals under 30 years of age, leading to significant morbidity and mortality.
Dr. Das also noted his involvement as a key collaborator in the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) project on the Young Diabetes Registry (YDR), which aims to better understand and address early-onset diabetes in India.
In his remarks, Dr. Vijay Viswanathan stressed that the oration and book launch mark important milestones in advancing awareness of global best practices in diabetes care. He called for a holistic and integrated approach involving the government, healthcare providers, and the community to effectively combat India’s diabetes epidemic and reduce the strain on healthcare infrastructure.
Highlighting RSSDI’s commitment to measurable outcomes, Dr. Viswanathan spoke about the ongoing Diabetic Foot Ulcer Registry initiative—“Save the Feet, Keep Walking 2.0”—which seeks to improve understanding of treatment trends, clinical outcomes, and patient care across diverse populations in India. As Chairman of the Research Committee of RSSDI, he continues to drive efforts to strengthen diabetes research nationwide.
With over 70 years of legacy, M.V. Diabetes has built a comprehensive care ecosystem with specialized expertise in diabetes management and diabetic foot complications, reinforcing its leadership in the field.
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