MSSI

MSSI HYDERABAD CHAPTER and APOLLO HOSPITALS has conducted a symposium on Multiple Sclerosis – Fighting the Invisible

A very interactive session was held with a panel of Expert Doctors, MS persons, Caregivers, Sponsors, Committee members and Well Wishers on 1st March 2020 (Sunday) between 10.30 am to 1 pm at Apollo Hospitals, Jubilee Hills.

A panel of Doctors who addressed the large gathering were:-

1. Sudhir Kumar Consultant Neurologist, Apollo Hospitals
2. RamMohan Vadapalli  Consultant Radiologist, Vijaya Diagnostic Centre
3. Sanjay Sinha Consultant Urologist, Apollo Hospitals
4. Anirudh Chirania Psychiatrist APOKOS, Apollo Hospitals
5. Namita Singh, Neuro Psychologist, Apollo Hospital

The session was extremely interesting and informative. Each query was perfectly answered by the doctors and all the doubts of MSPs were clarified. Few new MS persons were registered.

The event was supported by APOLLO HOSPITALS and NATCO PHARMA followed by delicious Lunch.

Deepthi Neelagiri, an MS Fighter from Hyderabad, participated in the prestigious all-women art exhibition called ‘Art Invasion’ that is aimed at promoting emerging artists in the field of art.

Deepthi, a few years after the diagnosis of MS completed a certificate course in oil painting from JNAFAU and also learnt the techniques in art from Mr.Sayyad Shaiek. She later did a TTC course from Pidilite. Music being her other area of interest, she also completed a four year certificate course in Carnatic music.

“The motivation to see myself as a singer, an artist started during that time when I wanted to add colour to my dull life” Deepthi says. She strongly feels that art and music had helped her cope with her health challenges and also primarily in keeping her mind happy.

Few fellow MSPs from Hyderabad chapter visited the art exhibition to encourage Deepthi for her marvellous work and celebrate the spirit of being ‘Unstoppable”. Also as part of creating MS awareness, MS brochures have been given and ‘Forms of the Formless’ book has been gifted to Mr. Sayyad Shaiek, Contradiction Art Curator.

The Indian Organization for Rare Diseases (I-ORD) was conceived in 2005 and is incorporated as a not-for-profit organization in India and USA. It is the umbrella organization and represents interests of all rare diseases, individual patients, patient support groups, health policy advocates and health care providers for rare diseases. Its primary mission is to create Awareness – Education & Research, Public Policy & Drug Development.

I-ORD conducted ‘World Rare Diseases Day – 2020’ in Hyderabad on February 28th. The health minister of Telangana, Mr. Eatela Rajender was the honourable chief guest for the event. The intent of the conference is to bring diverse issues into focus and improve the quality of life of all the Rare Disease patients. The campaign targets primarily the general public and seeks to raise awareness amongst policymakers, public authorities, industry representatives, researchers, health professionals and anyone who has a genuine interest in rare diseases.

MSSI Hyderabad chapter received an invitation to participate in the ‘World Rare Disease Day’ event. The Chapter Chairperson Mrs. Meena Gupta and two MSPs attended the conference.  Mrs. Meena Gupta in her speech explained briefly about Multiple Sclerosis, its symptoms, how it is caused and diagnosed, and the available treatment options to manage MS.

Mrs Gupta then introduced about MSSI, and how MSSI through its multiple chapters has been working for the welfare of MSPs to address their needs. She briefly spoke about the Hyderabad chapter’s support activities and services offered for MSPs to help manage their MS for a better quality of life.

Medical professionals, patient advocacy groups, patient organizations from all over India have participated in the event and shared their views.

The event provided an opportunity to create good awareness about Multiple Sclerosis to a variety of audience present. Interestingly television media persons came forward to know more about MS and MSSI, and expressed their interest to extend support in their capacity.