Anushkaa Foundation for Eliminating Clubfoot

As part of our efforts to ensure high-quality treatment for children, we also provide medical supplies to the clinics. This includes casting materials needed during the correction phase of the Ponseti Method, as well as bars and shoes which together form the foot abduction brace required during the maintenance phase. All of these are provided to patients free of cost. As the child grows, we also upgrade the size of the shoes and bars to ensure continued effectiveness.

This support, along with a strong follow-up system, plays a key role in reducing patient dropouts. The consistent provision of bars, shoes, and other materials is a critical element of our program model, directly contributing to better treatment outcomes.

We implement our early identification and referral strategy in close partnership with the government. Our outreach activities focus on engaging primary health care centers (PHCs), community health centers (CHCs), district hospitals, Rashtriya Bal Swasthya Karyakram (RBSK), Accredited Social Health Activists (ASHAs), Anganwadi workers, Auxiliary Nurse Midwives (ANMs), and other government stakeholders.

To date, we have sensitized over 1,97,600 ASHAs and 7,421 RBSK staff members, significantly strengthening early detection and referral efforts at the community level.

The organization establishes clubfoot clinics in Government-run and charitable hospitals that operate once every week with an aim to help with early detection, timely intervention and helping parents with children having clubfoot to have access to relevant medical facilities, diagnosis and treatment.

- 21000+ Children enrolled since inception
- 2,00,000+ patient visits carried out
- 10,000+ visits to CHCs (Community Health Centre)
- 9,000+ visits to PHCs (Public Health Centre)

We place strong emphasis on providing comprehensive counselling support to primary caregivers, recognizing its vital role in the success of our program. Our counselling services are delivered through multiple channels such as in-clinic sessions, telephonic conversations, and home visits, ensuring they are accessible and convenient for all families.

Counselling for parents and guardians is an integral part of our approach. We provide clear and detailed information about the condition, address myths and stigma, and reinforce the importance of consistent treatment. This holistic support system empowers caregivers with the knowledge and confidence they need to stay engaged throughout their child’s treatment journey.

The curriculum for the Basic Medical Training program is designed to cover both theoretical and practical aspects, offering a detailed understanding of the Ponseti method of treatment. It includes in-depth training on casting, tenotomy, and bracing techniques, which are demonstrated both on models and on children during the sessions. This hands-on approach ensures the training is thorough and comprehensive.
To support learning outcomes, the program includes both a pre-course and post-course assessment. These help us evaluate the understanding of participants and offer tailored support and mentoring to doctors based on their needs.
So far, we have conducted 99 medical training sessions and trained 338 doctors through this program.

The Train the Trainer (TTT) program is a two-day residential training designed for selected orthopedic doctors from our Clubfoot Clinics. It focuses on providing advanced training in the Ponseti Method and plays a vital role in developing a strong pool of trainers who can lead medical trainings across India — a key component of our Clubfoot program.

The primary objectives of the program include enhancing teaching skills, equipping trainers with the tools needed to effectively engage and educate adult learners. It also focuses on developing mentorship capabilities, enabling trainers to support and guide Clubfoot practitioners in the field. Additionally, participants are trained to organize and deliver the Basic Medical Training program, ensuring consistency and quality in program delivery across locations.

Till date, we have successfully developed 32 Master Trainers through this initiative.