Pune: Patient support groups will move beyond offering moral support and information to playing a critical role in research, advocacy, policymaking, and guideline development for arthritis management, said Dr. Chandrasekhara S, President of the Indian Rheumatology Association (IRA). He was addressing the National Patients’ Convention, an annual event organized by Mission Arthritis India (MAI), a voluntary organization supporting arthritis and rheumatism patients since 2000.
The event featured Dr. Chandrasekhara S as the Chief Guest, with Dr. Kiran Seth (Senior Consultant Rheumatologist, Delhi), Dr. Kavita Krishna (Head of Rheumatology, Bharati Vidyapeeth Medical College), and Mrs. Manisha Sanghavi (Director, Sancheti Healthcare Academy) as the Guests of Honour.
Also present were Dr. Arvind Chopra (Director & Chief Rheumatologist, Center for Rheumatoid Diseases - CRD), Sharayu Bhat (Founder Member & Trustee, MAI), Deepa Mehta (Chairperson, MAI), Shweta Kulkarni (Secretary, MAI), Rani Parasnis (Trustee, MAI), and Shivani Barve (Treasurer, MAI). The event also marked the release of an annual souvenir. More than 100 patients and 15 rheumatologists attended the convention, discussing various aspects of rheumatoid arthritis treatment and management.
Dr. Chandrasekhara highlighted that the approach to treating autoimmune arthritis has evolved significantly over the past 25 years. With the availability of 40-50 different drugs, treatment decisions—which medication to prescribe, when, and in what dosage—now require continuous research and guidance.
He emphasized two crucial areas where patient advocacy groups can contribute:
Research & Funding: These groups can help raise funds for research, benefiting the medical community and advancing treatment perspectives.
Policy & Guidelines: Citing Western countries, he urged Indian patient groups to push for policy changes by engaging with government bodies and insurance companies to advocate for better coverage and accessibility.
Addressing the audience, Dr. Chandrasekhara motivated patients by stating: "Arthritis may recur, but your spirit should not diminish. Just as falling is inevitable when learning to walk, the key is to rise and keep moving forward."
Dr. Kiran Seth noted that patients not only have the strength to fight arthritis but can also inspire others by fostering a positive environment. He emphasized the importance of medication, diet, exercise, mental well-being, and attitude in managing the condition.
Dr. Kavita Krishna pointed out that women are more susceptible to autoimmune arthritis and stressed the role of early diagnosis, weight management, low-impact exercises, and proper medication in pain control.
Manisha Sanghavi reiterated that arthritis can slow people down, but the human spirit remains stronger than the disease.
Distinguished contributions in the field of rheumatology:
The Late Shri P. C. Nahar Oration Award was conferred upon Dr. Vaijayanti Lagu Joshi, one of Pune’s first female rheumatologists.
The CRD Vat Viruddha Yoddha Award was presented to Shalaka Burande (Pune).
Vachasamrita S, Co-Founder of Lupus Trust India (Kochi), received the Shri Haribhau Rathiji Vat Viruddha Yoddha Award.