Antardhwani launched a support centre for patients with Ankylosing Spondylitis and Rheumatoid Arthritis in Jaipur on Sunday. The centre is the first and the only physical centre in the Pink City that provides counselling, physiotherapy, occupational therapy, and nutrition counselling for patients of Ankylosing Spondylitis and Rheumatoid Arthritis. More initiatives and facilities are being planned to further enhance its utility.
The support centre, aimed at spreading awareness about the two ailments and helping patients live a normal and healthy life, was launched in the presence of Antardhwani Founder Pranit Banthia, Rajasthan Rheumatology Association President Dr. Rahul Jain,
Antardhwani Jaipur’s programme head ShaluGolecha, and well-known rheumatologists
Dr. Sapan Pandya, Dr. Banwari Sharma, Dr. Renu Sehgal, and many others.
“We are pleased to launch this support centre in Jaipur and are thankful to the leading rheumatologists from Rajasthan and Gujarat who are present here. We are confident the centre will bring huge respite to Ankylosing Spondylitis and Rheumatoid Arthritis patients by making available counselling, physiotherapy, and other services at the same place. We are also confident that it will give a massive impetus to research in new treatment options for Indian conditions, and help patients manage their condition successfully,” said Antardhwani Founder Pranit Banthia.
The launch of the support centre marks an important milestone in Antardhwani’s journey to empower those affected by rheumatic conditions to live happy and healthy lives. The centre launch comes just over a year after the launch of Antardhwani’s patient support group for Ankylosing Spondylitis and Rheumatoid Arthritis in August last year.
Rheumatologist and Immunologist Dr. Sapan Pandya said, “The support centre is the
first-of-its-kind in Jaipur and will be very useful for Ankylosing Spondylitis and Rheumatoid Arthritis patients by helping them effectively manage their condition by getting expert advice from doctors and peer-to-peer interactions..”
Rheumatologist Dr. Avinash Jain said, “A support group is a place where we are all
there for patients and caregivers, a place where patients are there to support other patients. These are diseases that bring physical pain to patients, but mental agony for both patients and caregivers. Support is crucial in such cases.”
“Most autoimmune diseases are chronic in nature. It is wrong to think that doctors or medicines can do everything as patients need all the support. The concept of a support group is new, but it is much needed. It is like a family beyond family,” said Dr. Aradhana Singh.
Separately, Antardhwani also organised Paramarsh, a day-long Rheumatology Symposium in association with Rajasthan Rheumatologist Association (RRA). Dr Nigil Haroon, President of the International Congress of Spondyloarthritis, Dr. Banwari Sharma, Dr. Renu Sehgal, Dr. Vishnu Sharma, Dr. Bharat Singh, RRA President Dr. Rahul Jain, and Dr. Reena Sharma were among the speakers at the symposium. Antardhwani aims to make Paramarash its flagship annual event and facilitate discussions and iterations around Ankylosing Spondylitis and Rheumatoid Arthritis.
Antardhwani’s mission is to connect doctors and patients and spread awareness about managing Ankylosing Spondylitis and Rheumatoid Arthritis. Antardhwani already has chapters in Ahmedabad, Surat, Vadodara, and Udaipur and has supported over 3,100 patients to date.