IRA Conference In Bhubaneswar: Experts Call For Opening Rheumatology Department In Govt Medical College Hospitals

Bhubaneswar: With more and more children getting afflicted by rheumatoid arthritis, the medical experts called for opening Rheumatology department in government-run medical college hospitals in the country.

Speaking at the two-day 13th conference of the Odisha branch of Indian Rheumatology Association (IRA) at IMS and SUM Hospital, here, Prof Surjit Singh, Director of the Post-Graduate Institute of Medical Research, Chandigarh expressed concern over children getting afflicted by rheumatoid arthritis in increasing number.

Prof Singh, however, said the problem can be addressed through proper diagnosis, tests and treatment.

Prof Bidyut Kumar Das, Head of the Rheumatology department at SCB Medical College Hospital, Cuttack, said only 10 government run medical college hospitals in India have full-fledged rheumatology departments. But the facility for treating rheumatism in children is available in PGI, Chandigarh.

Considering the enormity of the health problem, Prof Das, who is scientific chairperson for the conference, said there was a need for opening Rheumatology department in government-run medical college hospitals. The COVID pandemic has multiplied the misery of patients afflicted with rheumatoid arthritis, he added.

Prof Gangadhar Sahoo, Pro-Vice Chancellor of SOA and Dean of IMS and SUM Hospital, said the disease could be controlled by change of lifestyle.

The conference was also addressed by Dr Pradipta Sekhar Patro, Head of Department of Immunology and Rheumatology at IMS and SUM Hospital and organising secretary of the conference, Dr Bijay Kumar Mishra and Dr Manoranjan Behera, president and secretary respectively of Odisha branch of IRA.