Dr. Seema Sekhri, a professor at one of Delhi’s leading women’s colleges, was a popular individual. Leading a normal, happy life, filled with the joys of family life and professional successes, Dr. Sekhri was a beloved figure in the community.
One day, what seemed like a mild imbalance was diagnosed as multiple sclerosis through an MRI test. This news literally stopped Seema in her tracks and began a whole new journey of hospital visits, multiple tests, and psychological setbacks. She recalled, “One day I was dancing and laughing, and suddenly I was shocked to hear that I had a chronic illness like MS. It was early days, and awareness of and information about MS was limited.”
Despite the challenges, with the unwavering support of her family, friends, and the institution where she worked, she made the decision to move on and continue her career. The Multiple Sclerosis Society of India also provided encouragement, and she found a community of people who shared her experiences. Thirteen years later, she uses a wheelchair for ease of mobility but has decided to strive for a normal life.
Many people, including Seema, attended a conference titled “Navigating MS Landscapes: Gaps and Opportunities” on Saturday, May 24, 2025, held at the Habitat Centre in New Delhi. The event was a resounding success, bringing together 17 leading senior neurologists from across the country, as well as rehabilitation specialists, senior government officials from key ministries, and other stakeholders on a single platform.
On World MS Day and the 40th anniversary of the founding of India’s sole support group for people with MS and their families, the Multiple Sclerosis Society of India (MSSI), and the Neurology Department of GB Pant Hospital, high-level panels were organised. These panels featured spokespersons from the Government, MSSI, the Insurance Sector, disability activists, and patient safety organisations. The discussions focused on policy interventions for people with disabilities and access to healthcare in rural communities.
The conference commenced with the lighting of a lamp and the release of MSSI Delhi’s 23rd Annual Handbook on Multiple Sclerosis, a unique publication in India. National Secretary Mr. Sandeep Chitnis delivered an eloquent speech, reflecting on MSSI’s 40-year journey and its remarkable growth and achievements.
The Part 1 Rehab Programme commenced with a welcome address by Meenakshi Bhujwala, the Hon Treasurer of MSSI Delhi. Bipasha Gupta, the Hon Chairperson, moderated the session.
The programme featured Neuro Physician Dr. Nitin Sethi, Chairman of Neuro Sciences PSRI Hospital, Dr. Vineeth Jaison, Senior Neurophysician at CMC Ludhiana, Dr. Hitesh Gupta, Senior Physiotherapist from BLK Max, and Dr. Dharam Pandey, Senior Occupational Therapist from Manipal Hospital. Each speaker shared their insights and expertise on Rehab, emphasising its significance for managing MS from the onset of diagnosis.
The key takeaways from the programme included the importance of understanding the unique needs of each person with MS and the need for deep training. Regular exercise was highlighted as crucial for maintaining strong muscles, and participants were provided with guidance on navigating the comprehensive MS healthcare system through Rehab.
The Part 2: The session was chaired by Renuka Malaker, Hon. Treasurer, MSSI, discussed the processes of obtaining UDID certificates. Shri Praveen P Ambastha, Deputy Chief Commissioner for Persons with Disability, addressed a packed hall, emphasising the importance of institutional support in empowering PwD. He highlighted the need to work collaboratively towards a future where equality, dignity, and inclusion are not just aspirations but lived realities. Mr. Som Mittal, Chairman of Patient for Patient Welfare, also shared his perspective on the matter. Mr. Satyen, Chief Commercial Officer of ICANHEAL, Mumbai, discussed MS Insurance coverage and universal health coverage. He guided PwMS members through the process of obtaining insurance coverage, ensuring they understand and comply with all the fine print and meet all the requirements mentioned.
Mr. Arman Ali, a disability rights activist and Executive Director of NCPEDP, shared his vision of a society where people with disabilities are equal participants, living dignified lives with economic independence.
On the medical front, there were in-depth panel discussions on advancements in treatment and comprehensive care for Multiple Sclerosis patients in India.
Dr. Kameshwar Prasad, former Head of Neurology at AIIMS and current Principal Director of Neurology at FORTIS GROUP, discussed advancements in Multiple Sclerosis (MS) treatments and disease-modifying therapies (DMTs) over the years. As a member of numerous international MS research bodies, he expressed confidence and optimism that the world of MS is on the brink of a breakthrough in treatment modalities. Dr. Prasad encouraged MSSI Delhi to continue working tirelessly to support people with Multiple Sclerosis.
Dr. Debashish Chowdhury, Director, Professor, and Head of Neurology at G.B. Pant Hospital, chaired a panel on new advancements in the treatment and management of Multiple Sclerosis (MS). Dr. Manjari Tripathi, Head of Neurosciences at AIIMS Delhi, was joined by Dr. J.D. Mukherji, Vice Chairperson and Head of Neurology at MAX SUPER SPECIALITY SAKET, and Dr. Rohit Bhatia, Professor of Neurology at AIIMS. The panel discussed the challenges in diagnosing MS, the role of MRI in distinguishing MS from other demyelinating disorders, and an overview of disease-modifying therapies (DMTs), symptomatic treatment, generic therapies, and emerging therapies.
Dr. M Netravathi, Professor of Neurology at NIMHANS, discussed the potential applications of stem cell therapy in treating multiple sclerosis. Dr. Kameshwar Prasad also shared case studies and success stories of haematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) therapy, highlighting its progress over the past few years and its great promise for people with multiple sclerosis.
Dr. MV Padma Srivastav, former Head of Department of Neurology, AIIMS, and Director of Neurology at PARAS HOSPITALS, chaired a session. Alongside Dr. Praveen Gupta, Chief of Neurology and Principal Director at FORTIS GURUGRAM, and Dr. Pravar Passi, Director of Neurosciences, CHL HOSPITALS, INDORE, they discussed setting up Comprehensive MS Clinics. These clinics would aim to provide early and accurate diagnoses of multiple sclerosis and offer holistic, multi-disciplinary treatment options.
At the Conference, heads of leading private sector hospitals’ neurology departments in Delhi NCR shared their expert views. Dr. Mukul Varma, from APOLLO INDRAPRASTHA, participated in several panels alongside Dr. Rajesh Iyer from MANIPAL HOSPITALS Bengaluru and Dr. Vineeth Jaison from CMC LUDHIANA.
Dr. Ashish Duggal, Professor of Neurology at RML Hospital, chaired the concluding session on Awareness about Patient Safety and best medical practices. This session aimed to empower patients and families, foster Patient Advocacy, and create a unified voice for policy influence. Dr. Monika Puri, Chief Country Access and Policy Officer, spoke on building the MS Network to achieve this.
After each session, speakers took questions from the PwMS participants. We are grateful to Anjali Vyas and all the MSSI Delhi EC Members and Volunteers for their unwavering support, without whom this successful conference would not have been possible.
Expected Outcomes:
The conference successfully initiated a dialogue between all stakeholders, placing the person with MS centre stage. This aimed to foster collaboration, advocacy, and policy influence, ultimately improving MS care in India.
For more information, photographs, list of key speakers, interviews or other media queries, contact:
Bipasha Gupta, 9312210645
Email: bipashamssi@gmail.com
Meenakshi Bhujwala 9811012334
mssidelhi2@gmail.com
www.mssocietyindia.org , www.msif.org , www.worldmsday.org
