To provide specialised care for people suffering from arthritis and various immunological disorders like SLE, Scleroderma, etc., a Rheumatology Special Clinic has been opened under the Department of General Medicine at the AIIMS Bhubaneswar since March 4.
The clinic, which is run by a team of doctors headed by Dr Anupam Dey, Head of the Department, will function every Friday from 2 pm to 5 pm.
“Musculoskeletal disorders are prevalent in 15%-20% of the Indian population. Arthritis affects more than 180 million people in India. It is estimated that almost 10 lakh people in India suffer from rheumatoid arthritis which is a painful condition. Rheumatological diseases can affect all age groups and require prolonged therapy because of their chronic nature and relapsing course.” said Dr Dey.
“Day care services will be provided to patients requiring injectable biological/immunosuppressant medications. Patient education and counselling will also be done,” he said.
A public awareness campaign was conducted in Medicine OPD. Patients and attendants were educated about the manifestations of rheumatological diseases and the need to take early and proper treatment.
The others in the team are Dr Sujata Devi, Dr Debananda Sahoo and Dr Arpita Dash.
