Fortis Anandapur launched Kolkata’s first Arthritis Wellness Club at an event today at Press Club, Kolkata. The Arthritis WellnessClub is a comprehensive support system for arthritis management as it will facilitate timely diagnosis alongwith advancedtreatment coupled with pre- and post-surgery rehabilitationfor arthritis patients. The Arthritis Club will support holistic care by providing sessions on Yoga andMental Health, free of cost for all members. Additionally,it will also offer medical and complimentary benefits, including a 15 percent discount on lab investigations and radiology, a 10 per cent discount on medications and bone health packages.
Dr.Ronen Roy Director-Orthopaedics, Fortis Anandapur, Kolkata, shared, “Awareness about Arthritis is increasing, but we still have a long way to go. People with arthritis-related ailments often don’t know when and who to approach. Earlier, it was the older generation who was susceptible to arthritis, but with the changed lifestyle habits, youth arthritis has become a common phenomenon. Lack of awareness about symptoms leads to delay in diagnosis and treatment gets delayed leading to other health related complications. People need to know that this condition is curable, especially if diagnosed early. The Arthritis Awareness Clubis a one-stop centrefor managing any bone and joint related condition, and will provide timely medical intervention and disease management toimprove the quality of life for arthritis patients across age groups.”
Dr.Arghya Chattopadhyay, Consultant Rheumatologist, Fortis Anandapur, said, “It’s time to make people aware that many arthritis patients have some underlying immunological health condition. Rheumatic diseases are complex and challenging to diagnose in the early stages. Along with joints, it can involve any part of the body like the brain, eyes(uveitis/ dry eye), lungs, heart, kidneys, liver, muscle (myositis), blood vessels (vasculitis), different skin rashes and oral ulcers. Diagnostic modalities and management of these rheumatic diseases have dramatically evolved over the past few decades. Earlier, treatment options included only painkillers and steroids. Newer drugs, including csDMARDs (conventional synthetic Disease Modifying Anti Rheumatic Drugs), bDMARDs (biologic DMARDS), and various immunomodulators, have significantly changed patients’ lives suffering from rheumatic disorders by providing better control over the disease and a better quality of life. The theme for World Arthritis Day this year was “It’s in your hands, take action”. It emphasises on making the patients, their caregivers and society aware of the disease, by leading to a productive, pain-free society. The arthritis club will serve this purpose.”
