Pune (Voice News Service): Mission Arthritis India (MAI) a charitable organization and Center For Rheumatic Diseases (CRD) organised a special awareness program on Wednesday (12 Oct) at Poona Club to mark the ‘World Arthritis Day’. Padmavibhushan Dr K H Sancheti, Dr Mukta Puntambekar Director Muktangan Rehabilitation Centre and well known Rheumatologist Dr Arvind Chopra along with MAI Chairperson Deepa Mehta, Mrs Leela Nahar Dr Ajit Damle and Ophthalmologist Dr Udayan Dixit were present on the occasion.
The MAI annual souvenir was published. Dr Arvind Chopra was felicitated at the hands of Dr Sancheti for being awarded by American College of Rheumatology (ACR) MASTER award .
Deepa Mehta Chairperson of MAI said that the organization was incorporated in 2000, as a Charitable Trust with principal of ‘No Sympathy, Only Support’. The organization supports people with arthritis and inspire them to lead a normal life.
Dr Sancheti said that rheumatic diseases affect hands and legs. Therefore movements get restricted and patients need support. It is important to instill confidence in such patients. This work MAI is doing for many years I know very well.
Dr Arvind Chopra said, it is an honor to be felicitated by Dr K H Sancheti. His relentless work inspires us never to retire and keep serving the patients. Dr Arvind Chopra has been instrumental in facilitating the foundation of MAI which has been a support group of Arthritic patients and provides opportunities for patients with similar illnesses to connect and understand their needs, build confidence and create positive outlook for the future.
Ophthalmologist Dr Udayan Dixit gave a lecture on ‘Rheumatic Diseases and The Eye’ which was very informative for patients. Two ‘fighter patients’ were felicitated at the hands of Dr Mukta Puntambekar. Dr.Puntambekar gave a presentation on tips on managing depression .
The formal program was followed by cultural programs by Arthritic patients. Shweta Kulkarni and Rani Parasnis were the comparer for the event.
World Arthritis Day was incorporated in 1996 to create awareness about musculoskeletal disease.
