Pune: Mission Arthritis India (MAI), a leading voluntary support group and charitable trust for arthritis and rheumatism patients, will organize the National Patients’ Convention on March 23. The convention will be held from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM, followed by an entertainment session and dinner. Bringing together over 100 arthritis patients and 15 distinguished rheumatologists, the event will serve as a platform for discussions on disease management, treatment advancements, and patient empowerment.
The convention will feature Dr. Chandrashekhara S, President of the Indian Rheumatology Association (IRA), as the Chief Guest, and Manisha Sanghavi, Chairperson of Sancheti Healthcare Academy, as the Guest of Honour. The event will also witness the presentation of the Late Shri P. C. Nahar Oration Award, CRD Vat Viruddha Yoddha Award, and Shri Haribhau Rathiji Vat Viruddha Yoddha Award.
Additionally, representatives from autoimmune disorder support groups—covering Lupus (Kerala), Ankylosing Spondylitis (Mumbai), Scleroderma (Delhi), and Sjogren Syndrome (Ahmedabad)—will be attending.
Deepa Mehta, Chairperson of MAI, emphasized the importance of this year’s convention as it marks the organization’s Silver Jubilee. She stated, “This platform provides arthritis patients the opportunity to seek knowledge from leading medical experts, connect with fellow patients in a non-judgmental environment, and realize that they are not alone in their journey. The support group helps in emotional well-being, sharing information, and making informed health decisions.”
Dr. Arvind Chopra, Director and Chief Rheumatologist at the Center for Rheumatoid Diseases (CRD), stressed that public awareness about bone and joint health is crucial, requiring a strong bridge between doctors and patients. He remarked, “Awareness, knowledge, and empowerment are the three pillars of MAI. This initiative ensures that patients have access to the right resources and guidance.”
Echoing this sentiment, Dr. Parag Sancheti, Chairman of Sancheti Hospital, highlighted the mental and emotional impact of chronic conditions like arthritis. He advocated for a holistic approach, saying, “Beyond medication, lifestyle interventions such as physiotherapy, diet, and exercise play a key role in managing arthritis. Patients must engage in activities that provide distraction from pain and improve overall well-being. Organizations like MAI are instrumental in mobilizing resources and offering critical support.”
