PUNE:

1. Press Conference: Dr. Arvind Chopra, Consulting Rheumatologist & National Secretary, BJD-INDIA: NAN, briefed the press on the various programs planned by BJD-INDIA: NAN and its supporting organizations all over India at the press conference held on 07 October 2005. Dr. Hans Rasker, Senior distinguished Rheumatologist from Netherlands and former Secretary General of ILAR (International League of Associations for Rheumatology) briefed the press about ILAR and the key role played by the patient support groups. Dr. Hans Rasker cited an example of a arthritis patient organization from Netherlands having 20000 and odd members. Not only has this organisation guided the government on the type of research it should undertake in this field, but has also made its members confident enough to choose the type of treatment for them. Dr. Rasker stressed the need of having such organisations in all the countries of the World. Dr. Kalindi Phadke, Co-chairperson, Mission Arthritis India (MAI), a patient support group, implored the press to help publicize the aims and objectives of BJD & MAI.
   
   
2. Meet the Patient Session: A 'Meet the Patient Session' was organised by Center for Rheumatic Diseases (CRD), Pune, to commemorate the BJD Activity week 2005 on 07 October 2005. This session was chaired by Dr. Hans Rasker and Dr. Kalindi Phadke and was attended by over 25 patients suffering from different types of musculoskeletal disorders. Dr. Hans Rasker answered the numerous questions asked by the patients.
   
   
3. Medical Camp: A free of cost medical camp was organised in village Bhigwan, WHO-ILAR COPCORD site on 08 October 2005. 200 patients suffering from musculo-skeletal diseases were examined by Dr. Arvind Chopra and his team of experts. Laboratory investigations were done wherever necessary. Dr. Hans Rasker visited the medical camp and was given a short tour through the WHO-ILAR COPCORD site. Some patients were examined by Dr. Hans Rasker during the medical camp. The 3rd edition of the special health issue published by MAI was inaugurated by Dr. Hans Rasker. The magazines were distributed to all.
   
   
   
   
   
4. CMEs:
   (a) 30 doctors from Baramati and nearby areas attended the CME on 'Arthritis' organised in Baramati on 08 October 2005. Dr. Hans Rasker and Dr. Arvind Chopra updated the doctors on arthritis and other musculo-skeletal disorders. Various doubts & queries raised by the doctors were discussed during the CME.
   (b) The CME on 'Psoriatic Arthritis' was organised at Hotel Pride, Pune, on 15 October 2005. The talk on 'Psoriatic Arthritis' was delivered by Dr. Arvind Chopra. This was followed by group discussion on 'Management of Autoimmune Urticaria'. The CME was attended by 35 specialists in medicine & dermatology.
   This CME was sponsored by Sanofi - Aventis
   
   
5. Public Awareness Program on Arthritis: The fifth annual function to commemorate BJD Activity Week was celebrated on a grand scale. The function along with the public awareness program on arthritis was organised by Entre Nous on behalf of MAI, BJD-INDIA and CRD, Pune, at Nehru Memorial Hall, Camp, Pune, on 14 October 2005. The program was attended by 350 people from Pune and its neighbouring urban and rural regions.
   The program began with the ceremonial lighting of diyas by Geeta Nair and her dance troupe. The audience were mesmerised by Bharatnatyam, one of the ancient classical dance form of India, presented by the group.
   The annual report on MAI was presented by Mr. P C Nahar, Chairman, MAI. This was followed by introduction and felicitation of the Chief Guest and Guest of Honour for the evening, Dr. H V Sardesai, Senior Physician, and Padmabhushan Dr. K H Sancheti, Senior Orthopedic Surgeon, respectively. The Key note address was given by Dr. H V Sardesai where he mentioned the important role played by folic Acid in pregnant women. Dr. K H Sancheti gave a brief talk on importance of exercise and positive thinking.
   The 3rd edition of the special health magazine published by MAI was distributed to the audience. An entertainment programme of popular Hindi songs by Luv - Kush Orchestra enthralled the audience. A fusion of western and classical dance item by Geeta Nair and her troupe further raised the spirits of the audience.
   Mrs. Sharayu Bhat, Secretary, MAI, proposed a vote of thanks. The Bombay Sappers Military Pipe band in attendance concluded the show with the national anthem.
   
   
6. National Trauma Rally - Pune Chapter: A national Trauma Rally was organised by Indian Orthopedic Association (IOA) on 16 October 2005 on the eve of World Trauma Day. In Pune the rally was led by Padmabhushan Dr. K H Sancheti, President IOA and Executive Committee member of BJD-INDIA: NAN. The rally consisted largely of orthopaedic surgeons (members of Poona Orthopedic Society and BJD-INDIA) and paramedics. Dr. Arvind Chopra, National Secretary, BJD-INDIA: NAN, with volunteers from CRD, Pune, also participated in the rally. Pamphlets carrying messages for public were distributed during the rally.
   The Pune region programs were conducted under the guidance of Dr. Arvind Chopra. The programs were sponsored by Center for Rheumatic Diseases, Pune, Serum Institute of India Ltd., RPG Life Sciences Ltd., Sanofi - Aventis Ltd., Fulford (India) Ltd., Elder Pharmaceuticals Ltd., Wockhardt, Ipca Laboratories Ltd., Wyeth Ltd., Zydus Cadila Healthcare Ltd., Unichem Ltd., Indus Biotech, Bergen Healthcare, Wallace pharmaceuticals Pvt. Ltd., Novartis Ltd.

Mumbai:

1. An update on Spondyloarthropathy was held on 21/ 10/ 05 at KEM Hospital as a part of the BJD Activity Week. Dr. V. R. Joshi, the guest of honour inaugurated the update which included lectures by Dr. V. R. Joshi, Dr. L. S. Bichile, Dr. Shashank Akerkar, Dr. Archana Sonawale, Dr. Prajakti Akerkar & Dr. SS Mohanty.
   The update covered the basic clinical features, radiological features as well as the recent trends in the management of spondyloarthropathy
   
   
2. An workshop on Spondyloarthropathy was held in the afternoon of 21/ 10/ 05. The workshop provided hands-on training to the delegates. Starting with the assessment of a patient with chronic backache the workshop went on to demonstrate the various signs in spondyloarthropathy & other mechanical causes of backache. The aim of the workshop was to train delegates in early diagnosis of spondyloarthropathy & imparting the knowledge of the various clinical scores in these patients.
   Both the update and workshop was attended by numerous delegates from various institutes in Mumbai & the rest of Maharashtra.
   

Nagpur: 125 physicians from all over Maharashtra attended the 13th Annual Conference of MAPICON. An Introduction on BJD was given by Dr. Arvind Chopra during his talk on 'Osteoporosis: Features & Management'.

Jalna: National Trauma Rally - Jalna Chapter: A large rally was organised under the leadership of Dr. Satish Goyal, Orthopedic Surgeon, under the auspices of BJD-INDIA on the occasion of World Trauma Day. The rally was organised to celebrate the BJD Activity Week. A police band was in attendance through out the rally which added a special attraction. Banners bearing the slogans 'Help Victims of Road Accidents', 'Learn first aid', etc. were carried by the volunteers during the rally.
The rally was sponsored by Dhanvantari Charitable Trust, Jalna.

Ahmedabad: World Osteoporosis Day was celebrated in Ahmedabad on 20 October 2005 by conducting a "Physician Awareness Program". Talks were given by Dr. Vivek Arya and Dr. Sapan Pandya. Dr. Arya spoke on "Osteoporosis: Indian Perspective". He discussed the scenario of Osteoporosis in India and drugs available for the treatment of Osteoporosis. He also emphasized that the nutritional factors play an important role in preventing Osteoporosis. Physicians were advised to use adequate calcium and vitamin D for patients prone for osteoporosis. Dr. Sapan Pandya discussed "Steroid Induced Osteoporosis". He suggested using minimal possible dosage of steroids whenever possible. He discussed the treatment options for preventing and treating steroid induced osteoporosis. Dr. Ramesh Goyal moderated the panel discussion wherein various cases with osteoporosis and the possible line of management were discussed. Meeting was attended by approximately 78 doctors, which included Physicians, Endocrinologists, Orthopedicians, Gynecologists and General Practitioners.

Jammu: A CME on 'Rheumatoid Arthritis: Residents Dilemmas' was organized by Indian Rheumatology Association (IRA) - J&K Chapter on 17 Oct 2005 at Jammu during BJD Activity Week and was well attended by faculty, residents from Govt Medical College, Jammu, and leading practicing doctors. Chief guest Prof Vijay Gupta, Principal GMC, Jammu stressed on the holistic approach to patients of RA. Presiding Guest, Prof. R. P. Kudyar, Head Dept. of Medicine, GMC, Jammu educated the gathering about the association of endocrinologist disorders with RA and said that co morbid conditions should be kept in mind while initiating the therapy. Guest of Honour, Prof B. Kapoor, Head Dept. of Pharmacology and Therapeutics stressed the role of complementary medicines, gene therapy and personalized approach to RA patients. Dr. Annil Mahajan while moderating the CME highlighted that RA is a disease which affects joints as well as other important systems like heart, kidney etc and leads to increased morbidity and mortality. A judicious approach with NSAIDs, corticosteroids and DMARDs can achieve remission in RA patients. Dr Vishal R Tandon spoke on clinical profile of various DMARDs and biological therapies. Dr Seema Jamwal presented the clinical spectrum of RA. The CME was well covered in both print and electronic media.
The Jammu CME was sponsored by Zydus Cadila Health Care Limited.

Secunderabad: Satya Sadhna Foundation - a voluntary organization, along with Ortho & Trauma Center at Vijaya Health Care and Indian Medical Association (IMA) - Secunderabad branch jointly celebrated the BJD Activity Week. Various education programs along with free demonstration were conducted through out the week. Free and discounted consultation clinics were also offered to the people with bone and joint problems in addition to the above. Prof. K Satyanarayana, the founder President of Sathya Sadhana Foundation, inaugurated this week long program.

1. Public education program: Multi media presentations were screened for the public from 8 am to 9 pm on 12 October (World Arthritis Day), 16 October (World Spine Day) and 17 October 2005 (World Trauma Day). The presentation on 12th Oct gave the public an insight into the anatomy & architecture of the joints and various causes of arthritis. The presentation on 16th Oct highlighted the importance of maintaining correct posture during the routine activities. The presentation was aimed at prevention of 'Repetitive Strain Injury' and back pain. Approximately 225 people attended this program. The presentation on World Trauma Day highlighted the safe road rules and taught first aid and minor wound management.
   The multimedia presentations were monitored by Dr. K Vijaya Lakshmi the managing partner of Vijaya Health Care.
   
   
2. Medical camp: A free BMD investigation camp inaugurated by Dr. U Eswar Rao, IMA Secretary, Secunderabad was organised on 20 October 2005 to mark World Osteoporosis Day. The Secunderabad BJD Activity Week programs were coordinated by Dr. K L Narasimha Rao, Pediatric Orthopedic Surgeon.

Chennai:

1. National Trauma Rally - Chennai Chapter: The rally to create awareness about trauma care was taken out in Chennai on 16 October 2005 by Madras Orthopedic Association and Tamil Nadu Orthopedic Association. The Assembly Speaker, K. Kalimuthu, and the Commissioner of Police, Greater Chennai, R. Nataraj, flagged off the rally from Gandhi Statue to Marina beach.
   
   
2. Various newspaper articles were written on Osteoarthritis, arthritis, etc. by eminent doctors from Chennai.