The Department of Clinical Immunology and Rheumatology, Kalinga Institute of Medical Science (KIMS), Bhubaneswar, organized a Patient Education Programme on 2nd February, 2020, the World Rheumatoid Arthritis Day. This programme was held with a grant of the Indian Rheumatology Association(IRA) and attended two major dignitaries of IRA.
The programme was inaugurated by Principal of KIMS Major General Prof. (Dr.) P.K. Patnaik. He highlighted the importance of creating awareness among the public. He emphasized how to get benefit from rheumatology specialty. Prof. (Dr.) Ramnath Mishra, Head, Department of Clinical Immunology & Rheumatology, KIMS welcomed all the patients and guests. He also said such a meet was the need of the hour so that the patients could take informed decisions based on medical evidence.
Well known expert in the field of rheumatology Prof. Dr. Debashis Danda, President Elect APLAR and past president of IRA as well as Founder of Department of Clinical Immunology and Rheumatology, CMC Vellore said such a meeting aimed to sensitize patients across the country and opt for correct treatment. Prof. (Dr.) Mahendranath K M Chairman of the Patient Education Cell of IRA, past president IRA and Senior Consultant Rheumatologist, Bangalore said that this meeting empowers patients to understand right and unbiased information about the disease which was well received.
Over 80 patients from various parts of Odisha and other states who took part in the deliberation said they were overwhelmed by the content and approach of the meet. A platform for patients to participate in this meeting was provided for 1st time in Odisha. They raised a lot of queries about various rheumatic diseases, treatment and diagnostic options, role of diet, side effects of medicines and disease management which were answered by experts in common-man’s language to improve patient doctor relationship. Group discussions were also conducted to educate affected patients as well as their relatives/caretakers regarding different Rheumatic Diseases.
Dr. Prasanta Pradhan, Dr. Sakir Ahmed , Dr. Debashis Maikap from the Department of Clinical Immunology and Rheumatology, KIMS Bhubaneswar and Dr. Ajit Surin from Apollo Hospital participated in the Group Discussion. At the end, the patients requested that such programmes should be held at least 2 to 3 times a year.