Believers Church Medical College Hospital's Rheumatology Department organized awareness classes on October 12, in observance of World Arthritis Day. The event was inaugurated by the hospital's Director and CEO, Prof. Dr. George Chandy Matteethra, who also delivered the keynote address. Associate Professor Dr. Vishnu S Chandran, Head of the Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology Department, Clinical Psychologist Mrs. Diya Theresa Jose, and Chief Clinical Nutritionist Mrs. Jyothi S Krishnan were among the key speakers.
In his keynote speech, Prof. Dr. George Chandy Matteethra discussed the history of rheumatology in India, the misconceptions that have persisted in society regarding arthritis treatment, and shared experiences from his time at CMC Vellore. Associate Prof. Dr. Vishnu S Chandran led an in-depth session on arthritis, its treatment methods, and the importance of early diagnosis and treatment of rheumatoid arthritis. He also highlighted the challenges faced by patients, particularly those with rheumatoid arthritis, due to lifestyle and socio-economic factors, and emphasized the steps that patients, their families, healthcare providers, and systems should take to manage these conditions.
Clinical Psychologist Mrs. Diya Theresa Jose addressed the mental health aspects of arthritis patients, while Nutritionist Mrs. Jyothi S Krishnan provided insights into the dietary management of arthritis. Attendees were given the opportunity to ask questions and clarify their doubts. The interactive session saw active participation from the audience of over a hundred people.
Millions of people worldwide suffer from arthritis. World Arthritis Day was first initiated by the Arthritis and Rheumatism International organization in 1996 to raise global awareness about these conditions.