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Feb 07 2020
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India MS Day at PMSSY Hospital

By Bengaluru No Comments

To commemorate India MS Day an Awareness program cum panel discussion was held at PMSSY Hospital (Pradhan Mantri Swasthya Suraksha Yojana) – Victoria Hospital Campus on 07 Feb 2020.

More than 100 people had gathered which includes MS persons, caretakers, Doctors, Volunteers, Government officials etc.

The Chief Guest & Speakers for the event were:

  • Veteran Actor Sri. Srinath – Chief Guest
  • Geetha Patil – Deputy Director, Dept. of the Empowerment of Differently Abled & Senior Citizens
  • Umesh – District Disabled Welfare Officer
  • Rajesh B. Iyer – Neurologist, Vikram Hospital
  • Shashikant – Integrated Medicine specialist

Institution:

  • Praveen Kumar – HOD, Neurology Dept., PMSSY – BMC & RI
  • Archana. B – Professor of Neurology, PMSSY – BMC & RI
  • Karthik – Associate Professor, PMSSY – BMC & RI
  • D. C.Janardhan – Assistant Professor, PMSSY – BMC & RI
  • Suhas – Assistant Professor, PMSSY – BMC & RI
  • Manoj Alluri – Neurology Resident – PMSSY – BMC & RI
  • Sanketh – Neurology Resident – PMSSY – BMC & RI
  • Nirupama. C – Neuro Physiotherapist – PMSSY – BMC & RI

The program started with lighting the lamp by the Chief Guest, Actor Srinath, Smt. Geetha Patil, Mr. Umesh, Dr. Praveen Kumar & Narayan Rao – MS person.

The invocation was rendered by Ms. Shruti followed by welcome address by Mr. Punkaj Gupta.

Mementoes were given to all the dignitaries present. Chief guest Veteran Actor Srinath spoke about the difficulties faced by MS affected persons & also told the audience that MSSI Bengaluru Chapter has organized this program as a platform for MS persons to discuss their difficulties & problems faced with the panel of Doctors & Government officials & to make use of this rare opportunity. He also wished all MS persons to follow as per the Doctor’s advice & stay healthy.

MS persons Geetha Balaji & Gautam Kashyap were given an opportunity to share their experience & challenges faced after their diagnosis of MS.

Dr. Manoj Alluri spoke on the topic About MS followed by Neuro Rehabilitation in MS by Dr. Nirupama. C. Dr. Shashikanth, Yoga therapist taught a few exercises on Mind & Body Relaxation.

After the yoga session, a Panel Discussion was held which was moderated by Mr. Punkaj Gupta. It was a good interaction between the Doctors, Government Officials & MS persons. Mr. Umesh Chandrashekar & Smt. Geetha Patil explained about the various schemes to be availed through UDID card. MSSI also submitted a project proposal to Smt. Geetha Patil & Mr. Umesh Chandrashekar at this point of time to take it forward to the concerned Government officials.

Main points mentioned in the project proposal were:

Objectives – Rehabilitation centre cum office for MSSI

  • Mobilize all of us inside the movement –  organizations, people affected by MS, volunteers, donors and staff, to achieve our common mission to improve the quality of life of people affected by MS.
  • To expand our work all around the districts in Karnataka & provide services.
  • To bring Staff training program for administering Official work and therapies.
  • It is built on the conviction that if we work together we can achieve this faster and better than if we each work on our own.

Smt. Geetha Patil, Deputy Director Dept. of the Empowerment of Differently Abled & Senior Citizens assured us that she would take it forward. She also invited the MSSI Committee to meet her next week to take this proposal forward.

Finally, Mr. Punkaj Gupta rendered Vote of thanks & thanked all the dignitaries, Doctors, MS persons, caretakers & volunteers for their support in attending this event & making it a grand success.

Feb 06 2020
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IMSD STANDEES : AWARENESS BLITZ

By Delhi No Comments

 AWARENESS BLITZ AT HOSPITALS ACROSS DELHI/ NCR

An Awareness campaign under the theme #knowMultiplesclerosis with MSSI Info Standees was launched by MSSI Delhi for the IMSD week starting 1st February 2020.

Standees with the IMSD logo and a few lines on What is MS (in English & Hindi), along with contact details of the Delhi Chapter were placed in prominent locations at 12 leading Hospitals across Delhi NCR . These are as follows:

  1. The Annual Delhi Neurological Association Conference Ambedkar Hall, New Delhi from 30 Jan onwards. It was expected that up to 1000 people would attend this conference over a period of 2 days
  2. GB PANT HOSPITAL OPD RECEPTION
  3. PUSHPAWATI SINGHANIA HOSPITAL
  4. VIMHANS HOSPITAL INDIAN SPINAL INJURIES CENTRE
  5. GANGA RAM HOSPITAL
  6. IBS (INDIAN BRAIN & SPINE ) HOSPITAL
  7. MAX HOSPITAL PATPARGANJ
  8. MAX HOSPITAL VAISHALI, Ghaziabad
  9. VIMHANS, ISIC
  10. ARTEMIS Hospital ( Permanent placement)
  11. MEDANTA Hospital Gurgaon ( LED Screen )
  12. APOLLO Hospital

We have got 4 new enrolments in the month of February.

As part of INDIA MS DAY 2020, Delhi Chapter organized a Health Check Up camp at Indian Spinal Injuries Centre Hospital, Vasant Kunj on Thursday 6th February 2020 between 12 Noon – 5 pm. This was for all PwMS and their caregivers at the end of a long & bitter winter!

The programme included exclusive one on one free consultations with related to medicines, treatments, management of MS in daily life with the following specialists,  Neuro-physicians, Urologist & Internal Medicine on issues of general health, MS / neurological issues, pain management, urine /stool problems etc.

Patients started trickling in from 11.45 AM onward. By 1:30  PM almost all the PwMS attending had registered.

All the MS patients consulted the neurologist & urologists. Based on their requirement, some were referred to the other specialists as well.

100 packed boxes of Lunch / Refreshments were arranged for MS Persons & the caregiver. A conscious effort was made to help out MS families wherever possible, therefore the lunch box was prepared by the family of a PwMS (Ms. Richa Bhambri )- the packed professionally home-style meal was enjoyed by all and shared with the staff of ISIC as well. .

The programme was attended by 28 PwMS accompanied by their caregivers, volunteers, EC Members & staff.

We were approached by several visitors to the Hospital, and pamphlets & information was distributed. We also identified one new MSPerson who is now getting registered with the Delhi Chapter.

GRATITUDE TO Volunteers Ms Ameeta Gupta, & thanks EC Members Milly Murgai & Pinky Hora for conducting the registrations in a systematic & efficient fashion.

Feb 02 2020
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India MS Day – Family Outing

By Chennai No Comments

Chennai Chapter to highlight India MS Day 2020 organised a family Picnic to one of the Beach Resorts that is Joe’s Beach Resort, situated along the coast, of the Bay of Bengal.

More than 100 MS persons, their caregivers and children after a breezy bus ride descended on the beach resort, to enjoy a sumptuous lunch, followed by games of Antakshri, Dumb Charades and Bingo. The laughter, the mimicry and acting were so contagious that 3 hours passed by. A very quick dip in the waves was a must for all, and a good hour was passed enjoying the water and lilting of the waves.

A treat of hot tea, vadas and Birthday cake brought the evening to a close and as the sun was setting, the families boarded the buses and headed homewards. It was indeed a very memorable “India MS Day 2020”

Feb 02 2020
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India MS Day 2020 – Pune

By Pune No Comments

The month of February ushers in spring in India and what better time could there be to observe India MS Day and so the first Sunday of February every year is celebrated as the India MS Day.

MSSI PUNE Chapter with Indian Medical Association (IMA) Pune organised a Walkathon of about 2 kms at Tilak Road. The Walkathon with IMA was worked upon by MSSI IMSD Representative (National) Mrs. Jyoti Ronghe and Ms. Gayatri Joshi.

President of IMA Pune, Dr. Sanjay Patil, Ex-President, Dr. Padma Iyer , Secretary IMA Pune, Dr. Variyani, MSSI committee members, few volunteers, 3 MS Persons, around 10 IMA doctors were there for the Walkathon. Everybody gathered at the IMA House at 7.30 am and registered themselves. The participants wore Bibs and caps with IMSD theme # know Mltiple Sclerosis.

The walk started at 8 am and Dr. Sanjay Patil & Dr.Variyani addressed the gathering.  The attendees held placards of MSSI throughout the walk for about an hour.

Reshma Valliapan, a renowned activist who runs an organisation called the Red Door also supported us in the Walkathon.  She discussed the various disabilities of MS Persons with our committee members.

After walking for 2 kms, everybody gathered back at the IMA House at 9.30 am. There was breakfast arranged by IMA Pune for all the participants.  Everyone enjoyed the delicious meal and disbursed thereafter around 10.30 am.

MSSI Pune is thankful to the wonderful team of IMA who supported us heartedly.

Feb 02 2020
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MS Walk on INDIA MS DAY – 2020

By Mumbai No Comments

MSSI, Mumbai Chapter had organized MS Awareness Walk on ‘India MS Day”, Sunday 2nd Feb 2020 at Shivaji Park. More than 200 participants, including MSSI Team, MSPs with families, Rotarians, Inner Wheel Members, students & Senior citizens.

Mr. Pravin Amre, National Cricketer & President, Shivaji Park Gymkhana and eminent Neurologist Dr. Sarosh Katrak graced the occasion. At Registration Free T-shirts were distributed & breakfast was served to all.

Dr. Rekha Bhatkhande, Hon. Secretary welcomed all & introduced Dr. Sarosh Katrak.

Dr. Katrak explained about Multiple Sclerosis in simple language. The audience listened with rapt attention. Mr. Sandeep Chitnis, MSSl’s National Vice President & Chairperson of Mumbai, briefed the crowd about MSSl’s various patient welfare services and explained the advantages of getting registered with MSSI.

Dr. Rekha on the spot called 2 MSPs to speak about their journey with MS. MSP Jigna from Mumbai & Mahana from Pune said that though they live with ups & downs with MS, they are happy due to their positive attitude which is taught by MSSI who also guide them to cope-up with MS.

Then MS Walk started by cutting of the ribbon by Pravin Amre along with Dr. Katrak & MSSI Committee Members. Mrs. Sundari Raju, Mumbai Chapter’s IMSD representative walked with students & other participants encouraging them by loudly chanting slogans “We support MS Cause”. It attracted a lot of morning walkers to come forward & receive MS brochures.

MSSI, Mumbai Chapter was happy for getting support from many and

Thus making “India MS Day Walk 2020” a Grand Success.

Feb 02 2020
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MS WALK ON INDIA MS DAY – 2020

By Hyderabad No Comments

MSSI Hyderabad chapter observed INDIA MS DAY by organising the MS WALK on Sunday 2nd February 2020. The Walk was held at Parade Ground, Secunderabad from 7 am onwards. There was a huge gathering of MS persons, caregivers and supporters.

The Chief Guest Mr. Muralidharan, Chairman TMI Group and First Generation Serial Entrepreneur was welcomed by Chairperson MSSI Hyderabad Chapter Mrs. Meena Gupta followed by presenting the memento to Chief Guest by Mrs. Mamta Gupta.

Chief Guest had addressed the gathering and shared his views on the awareness of Multiple Sclerosis and also appreciated the hard work and efforts put forward by Hyderabad Chapter. He also appreciated the IMSD theme – “KNOW MULTIPLE SCLEROSIS”

The program started by a song sung by Youth MS persons led by Hema Gulati our MS person. Full attendance prizes were awarded to 3 MS persons. The walk was flagged off by the Chief Guest Mr. Muralidharan who walked along with us. Everyone walked enthusiastically holding banners, placards, flags and came back to be served with hot breakfast. The red T-shirts worn by the participants attracted many people who enquired about MS and MSSI and pamphlets were distributed.

Jan 30 2020
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Dr. Amar Nath Tandon National Award 2019 to Mrs. Sheela Chitnis

By Mumbai No Comments

National Society For Equal Opportunities For the Handicapped, India (NASEOH, INDIA) established in 1968 & has been steadily working towards developing comprehensive rehabilitation opportunities for the persons with disabilities so as to facilitate integration into the mainstream of the society.

This year’s Dr. Amar Nath Tandon National Award for Voluntary services by Naseoh is given to Mrs. Sheela Chitnis, Co-founder of MSSI, India, who has pioneered the care and support to persons with MS in India through physiotherapy, Counseling & Medical Support. She has also mobilized sizable funds through creative ideas and events for the rehabilitation of Persons with MS.

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Jan 15 2020
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Symptoms and Care of Eyes – MSPs

By Hyderabad No Comments

MSSI Hyderabad Chapter has conducted a session on symptoms and care of eyes of MSPs by Dr.Akshay Badakere, a Consultant Neuro Ophthalmologist from L V Prasad Eye Institute.
A one to one session which was not only interactive, beneficial but informative too. Dr.Akshay spoke about Optic Neuritis and its symptoms, the tests to be performed, the diet to be followed and exercises to be done to keep MS at bay.

Jan 11 2020
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Neuro Update 2020

By Chennai No Comments

The “Madras Neuro Trust” organises the “Neuro Update” annually as a continuing educational programme for the practising neurologists and exposing the neurology residents to recent clinical research works being done all over the world. The Chennai Chapter of MSSI is invited for a special session.

This year, Neuro Update 2020 was held on 11/01/2020. Dr Velmurugendran, Secretary, Neuro Update, Chennai, welcomed the gathering. MSSI Chennai Chairperson, Mrs Ann Gonsalvez welcomed the guest speakers and a shawl was presented to each of them by an MS person. A one-hour session for MS persons was chaired by :

Prof. David Zee, M.D, Professor of Neurology, John Hopkins Hospital, Baltimore, USA. He addressed our MS persons on eye disorder in MS. One of the major vision problems that he focused on is called Nystagmus – the jumping of eyes ( up and down) or changing direction – left to right and its treatment.

Prof. Sarosh Irani, BMBCH MS (Oxon) D Phil FRCP FEAN, Head, Oxford Autoimmune Neurology Group, Associate Professor, University of Oxford, Welcome intermediate clinical fellow, Honorary Consultant Neurology, UK, updated us with latest on NeuroImmunology. He said drugs available to fight or calm down the immune system is being researched on a big scale and he is hopeful it will come into the market in the near future at an affordable cost.

It was a highly interactive session. The MS patients and their caregivers gained more knowledge and felt more educated after attending the session.

Dec 27 2019
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INDIA MS PERSON OF THE YEAR 2019

By Delhi, General No Comments

INDIA MS PERSON OF THE YEAR! 2019 Group Captain Prabal Malaker

A retired Indian Airforce Test Pilot who has flown almost every aircraft in the Air Force inventory in his time from MIGs’, Jaguars’, and Mirages’, to large transport carriers like the Avro and AN-32. He is a qualified flying instructor, who has imparted training to several young pilots.

His message to fellow MS persons is very straight forward, “If you have a problem, accept it. Work within those challenges and carry on with life. Keep your mind strong and paths will open up”, says a 63-year-old Multiple Sclerosis (MS) person, who has never learned to give up against all odds.

Life seemed to be going well until August 1998, when he was diagnosed with the progressive form of Multiple Sclerosis. He had a near-death experience when his plane, upon landing caught fire. Neurologists said that this could have possibly triggered off an autoimmune response to cause MS. In 1999, he was permanently downgraded from flying and his career came to a standstill. He had to retire from active service at the young old age of 52 years!

This was the time when he was introduced to MSSI Delhi by none other than Mrs. Sheela Chitnis, Co-founder of MSSI, by his sister Gopa who was living in Mumbai at that time. He joined the Delhi office as a volunteer to serve many other people like him. He has been in a leadership role and together with a team of some very dynamic volunteers who work shoulder to shoulder to improve the lives of people living with MS. He has been instrumental in setting up systems and procedures for smooth execution of projects, services, and initiatives that are offered to registered members of the society within Delhi NCR.

Prabal is a foody and a movie buff, however, going to movie halls and restaurants in a wheelchair was becoming a challenge since most of these places were not handicap friendly. He decided instead of getting stuck in the house and giving up all the things he enjoyed he would embark on a single point mission; To bring about change in movie halls and restaurants so that a wheelchair user could enjoy barrier-free access. Due to his single-handed and persistent effort, the Disability Commissioner has served notice to Movie Hall Operators which includes PVR, INOX, and Cinepolis A notice has also been served to 480 restaurants and the hotel of Delhi State to conform to the harmonized guidelines of barrier-free access for PwD.

Being an avid traveller, he has conducted accessibility audits for hotels and tourist sites in Jodhpur, Udaipur, Ranakpur, Sarnath, Varanasi and Sri Lanka for a Cox & Kings Accessible Holiday segment called Enable Travel.

He heads the advocacy arm of the MSSI Delhi chapter and has been engaging with the Delhi State Disability Commissioner on a regular basis to bring about change in policy and assessment guidelines for disability and advocates for the right of people with Multiple Sclerosis.

We wish him good luck and good health always!