In a landmark step toward strengthening neurological care, the Government of Punjab and Roche Pharma India have launched NeuroSakhi, a first-of-its-kind patient support and awareness initiative.
The programme is designed to strengthen care and support systems for women living with Multiple Sclerosis (MS) in the State. The programme aims to strengthen care pathways, awareness and support systems for women navigating this complex neurological condition.
MS is a chronic neurological disorder that attacks the central nervous system and can lead to progressive disability if not diagnosed and treated early. An estimated 1.8 lakh people are living with MS in India, with nearly 2,900 patients in Punjab alone. Striking most often between the ages of 20 and 40. The disease disproportionately affects women, who account for nearly 70% of cases.
Beyond visible disability, MS carries a heavy “invisible” burden — debilitating fatigue, vision disturbances, cognitive impairment and severe neurological symptoms that are often misunderstood or overlooked. Despite growing global awareness, many patients in India continue to face delayed diagnosis, fragmented care pathways and limited access to sustained long-term support.
The NeuroSakhi initiative aims to address these gaps by fostering stronger awareness, enabling patient support and strengthening engagement between healthcare professionals, patients and caregivers across Punjab.
As part of this effort, PGIMER Neurological Society will support training for Government Medical Colleges serving, through a hub-and-spoke model. Under the collaboration framework, DMER Punjab will lead State-wide implementation and governance, PGIMER Chandigarh will anchor clinical and academic leadership, and Roche Pharma India will act as a knowledge and technical partner, supporting scientific exchange, capacity building and evidence generation.
Dr. Dheeraj Khurana (Professor of Neurology, PGIMER Chandigarh) said, “Multiple Sclerosis is a complex neurological condition with a strong predilection for women where timely diagnosis and appropriate treatment can significantly alter the course of the disease. The NeuroSakhi initiative, is a prudent step which aims to strengthen clinical awareness, encouraging earlier referrals to specialised centres and build stronger care pathways so that patients across Punjab can benefit with timely, specialised neurological care.”
Rajwinder Mehdwan (Rajji), Managing Director & CEO of Roche Pharma India, said, “Women are often more affected by autoimmune conditions like Multiple Sclerosis, yet their health needs are frequently overlooked. Initiatives like NeuroSakhi are important because they help build stronger support for women living with MS—through greater awareness, earlier diagnosis, and better access to treatment. At Roche, we remain committed to supporting people living with MS. We hope this initiative in Punjab can inspire similar efforts in other States.”
