It Aims to Educate, Guide, and Give Reliable Info To Those Affected
Marking Rheumatology Awareness Month, the Vasculitis Society of India and the Rheumatology Association of Gujarat (RAG) launched the ‘Vasculitis Patient Support Group’ in Ahmedabad today. The event featured an awareness program on vasculitis, a group of rare autoimmune disorders causing blood vessel inflammation.
Originally established in Punjab, the Vasculitis Society is expanding nationwide through patient engagement and outreach to build supportive communities. The new group provides education, guidance, and reliable information to improve the quality of life for those affected.
Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel congratulated the Indian Rheumatology Association (IRA), RAG, and Vasculitis Society of India in a message. “I am especially happy that initiatives like the Vasculitis Support Group and Antardhwani have been launched to reach out to patients,” he said, commending the organizations for Rheumatology Awareness Month in April.
Challenges of Vasculitis: A Hidden Threat
Vasculitis inflames blood vessels, setting it apart from joint-focused conditions like rheumatoid arthritis. With a global prevalence of 0.02%–0.04%, these rare disorders affect organs such as the skin, kidneys, lungs, or brain. Diagnosis is tough, often mimicking tuberculosis, infections, or malignancy in India, leading to months-long delays. Limited access to tests such as ANCA testing, complement levels, or biopsies compounds the issue.
The burden is heavy: organ damage (e.g., renal failure, stroke, lung hemorrhage), chronic relapses, reduced quality of life, disability, and high costs for immunosuppressants, biologics like Rituximab, and hospitalizations.
“While each type of vasculitis is rare, collectively they affect many patients and remain underdiagnosed in India, leading to preventable complications,” said Dr. Aman Sharma, IRA President and Professor at PGI Chandigarh. He stressed boosting awareness, expanding access to specialized care, and improving nationwide management.
Dr. Sapan Pandya, IRA Vice-President and Associate Professor of Rheumatology at SVP Hospital and Smt. NHL MMC highlighted local impact: “This support group builds a community for patients and caregivers to access reliable info and guidance, empowering healthier lives through education.”
Dr. Reena Sharma, RAG President and consultant rheumatologist, added: “Vasculitis shows as rashes, fatigue, or organ issues. Early ANCA-tested diagnosis and Rituximab are vital awareness drives that lead to better outcomes.” The launch included Dr. Vishnu Sharma, Dr. Anuj Shukla, and Dr. Dhaiwat Shukla.
Upcoming Rheumatology Events
SVP Hospital faculty held bedside clinical grand rounds earlier today, teaching rheumatology skills to students. A CME for postgraduates is set for April 19 at Smt. NHL Medical College, featuring experts like Prof. Aman Sharma (PGI Chandigarh), Prof. Vikas Aggarwal (SGPGI Lucknow), and others from across India.
The Rheumatology Awareness Walkathon 2026 follows on April 26 at Ahmedabad Riverfront (7-9 am), hosted by RAG and IRA. With the theme ‘Move Free. Live Pain-Free,’ it promotes joint health, arthritis awareness, and support for rheumatic patients alongside rheumatologists and “autoimmune warriors.”
