Financial Burden on PwMS and the Urgent Need for Cost-Effective Strategies

The Multiple Sclerosis Society of India (MSSI), Bengaluru Chapter, in collaboration with Sakra World Hospital and Rotary Action Group Against Multiple Sclerosis (RAGAMS) successfully hosted a panel discussion at Chancery Hotel, Lavelle Road, Bengaluru, to commemorate World Multiple Sclerosis Day (WMSD) 2025. The discussion featured a diverse group of stakeholders, including government officials, medical professionals, and MSSI representatives.

The theme of WMSD 2025 was “My MS Diagnosis – Navigating MS”, and the evening marked a memorable event for all Persons with Multiple Sclerosis (PwMS), their caregivers, Rotarians, doctors, government officials, and volunteers. The event emphasised the spirit of resilience, togetherness, and hope. The programme began with the lighting of the lamp, and Dr. Arjun Srivatsa, a Neurosurgeon at Sakra World Hospital, welcomed the audience.

Program Highlights

Keeping with the challenges of getting and being diagnosed with MS, a panel discussion was held on the topic “Financial Burden on PwMS and the Urgent Need for Cost-Effective Strategies”. This is one of the main challenges faced by the MS community today, and panellists from different sectors shared their perspectives.

Guests of Honour:

Sri. Das Suryawanshi, State Commissioner for the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act.
Smt. Ashwathamma, Deputy Director, Dept. of Empowerment of Differently Abled & Senior Citizens
Rtn. Dr.Elizabeth Cherian District Governor Elect, Rotary International, District 3192

Besides the Guests of Honour, the panellists also included Medical Experts and MSSI Representatives, as mentioned below

Dr. Arjun Srivatsa – Neurosurgeon, Sakra World Hospital
Dr. Amit Kulkarni – Neurologist, Sakra Hospital
Dr. Netravati. M – NIMHANS
Dr. D. C. Janardhan – PMSSY
Mr. Punkaj Gupta, Hon. Vice Chairperso,n MSSI Bengaluru
Ms. Jaya Mathew, Hon. Secretar,y MSSI Bengaluru
Panel Moderator: Rtn. Shankar Subramanian Chairperson – RAGAMS (Ex Chairperson & Secretary – MSSI

Highlights of the discussion:

Dr. Amit Kulkarni commenced the discussion by providing insightful information about Multiple Sclerosis (MS), raising awareness about this relatively lesser-known condition.
Ms. Jaya Mathew, Hon. Secretary of MSSI, shared her personal journey with multiple sclerosis, detailing her experience of being diagnosed and the challenges she encountered during the process. She also shed light on the myriad difficulties faced by people with multiple sclerosis (PwMS), particularly the absence of financial risk coverage such as health insurance, subsidies, and government schemes for MS treatments, which are often prohibitively expensive.
Dr. Elizabeth Cherian, a Rotarian, expressed solidarity with the MS community and pledged her support towards raising MS awareness across multiple districts.
Dr. Netravati from NIMHANS highlighted the pressing need for government intervention to lower the costs of MS treatments, particularly as some medications are now included in the Essential Medicines List (EML).
Dr. Janardhan from PMSSY provided valuable insights into the government schemes available for individuals below the poverty line (BPL). He also urged government officials to reconsider the current guidelines, advocating for amendments that would enable all individuals with multiple sclerosis (MS) to benefit from these schemes.
Mr. Das Suryawanshi, the Disability Commissioner, has requested the MS Society to submit a comprehensive proposal. This proposal aims to explore opportunities for leveraging funds available with the Department and to raise awareness within the Health Department about the challenges faced by the MS community.
Ms. Aswathamma, Deputy Director of the Department of Empowerment of Differently Abled and Senior Citizens, delivered an insightful address on the various government schemes available for individuals with disabilities.

The panel discussion witnessed enthusiastic participation from Persons with Multiple Sclerosis (PwMS), their caregivers, Doctors, Government officials, volunteers & Rotarians of Rotary District 3191 and 3192

Participating clubs include:

Rotary Club of Bangalore
Rotary Club of Bangalore Abilities
Rotary Club of Cubbon Park
Rotary Bangalore Rajmahal Vilas
Rotary Club of Bangalore West
Rotary Bangalore 2020
Rotaract Club of Bangalore Revolution
Rotary Club of Bengaluru Abbigere
Rotary Bengaluru Platinum City
Rotary Bangalore Vidyaranyapura
Rotary Bangalore South Parade

On the occasion of World MS Day 2025 – MSSI, Bengaluru Chapter, in association with RAGAMS, honoured Dr. Netravati of NIMHANS & Dr. D. C. Janardhan of PMSSY for their exceptional dedication to the field of Neurology and the unwavering commitment to improving the lives of Persons with Multiple Sclerosis (PwMS).

In deep appreciation of their medical excellence, compassion-driven care, and tireless advocacy for early diagnosis and long-term support for the MS community, we were glad to confer on them the title of
MS SAMRAKSHAK – Guardian of the MS Community

Outcome:

Proposal submitted:

MSSI submitted a detailed proposal to the Disability Commissioner and the Department of Empowerment of Differently Abled and Senior Citizens. We plan a follow-up meeting in three weeks with the Disability Commissioner to discuss the proposal shared during the meeting and to further involve the Health Department in this matter.

We are grateful to everyone who made this evening not only possible but also memorable. We are honoured to serve alongside such dedicated individuals and look forward to the strides we will continue to make together in our fight against multiple sclerosis.

This year’s WMSD, organised by MSSI and RAGAMS, was made possible by the unwavering support of Sakra World Hospital and numerous Rotary Clubs. It truly demonstrated the power of community, compassion, and collaboration.

Press Coverage:
The Deccan Herald press covered an article in the Healthcare Hurdles column about World MS Day & the challenges being faced by Persons with MS.