Skip to main content
Category

Mumbai

Support services to people suffering from Multiple Sclerosis

By Mumbai No Comments

On 12th July evening, Neurologists & President of Nagpur Neuro Society, Dr Sanjay Ramteke invited Mrs Sheela Chitins to speak on “Support services to people suffering from Multiple Sclerosis” at their Monthly Meeting of Neurologists. It was an honor to meet Nagpur’s Eminent Neurologists; a few amongst them were: Dr. Sanjay Ramteke, Dr. Chandrashekhar Meshram, Dr Shyam Babhulkar, Dr. Dinesh Kabra, Dr. Nitin Chandak, Dr. Dhruv Batra, Dr.Sandeep Iratwar & others.

During the session, Mrs. Chitnis spoke passionately about the inception of MSSI and emphasized the importance of Support Groups in aiding patients suffering from Multiple Sclerosis. A comprehensive presentation on the services offered by MSSI was also shared. In total, 35 Neurologists participated in the session.

We extend our heartfelt gratitude to the Nagpur Neuro Society for their kind hospitality and for providing us with this remarkable opportunity to raise MS awareness among the medical fraternity.

Together, with the support of the medical community and like-minded individuals, we continue to forge ahead in our mission to empower and uplift those affected by MS.

MS Awareness Seminar at SIES School Auditorium

By Mumbai No Comments

Mumbai Chapter organized an MS Awareness Seminar at the SIES School Auditorium, Matunga.

Around 80 people participated in the programme including PwMS, caregivers, friends, volunteers and the MSSI team.

There were two sessions:

  • Specific Diet in MS by Ms. Saanvi Keswani, Clinical Nutritionist & Certified Diabetic Educator
  • Tackling Speech & Swallowing Problems in MS by Ms. Gayatri Hattiangadi, Associate Professor & Head of the School of Audiology & Speech Therapy Topiwala National Medical College, B.Y.L. Nair Ch. Hospital

Both the sessions were insightful and were appreciated by all.

Medical Seminar

By Mumbai No Comments

Mumbai Chapter held an informative Medical Seminar on Multiple Sclerosis and allied Neurology Conditions.

Session Chair – Dr. Rekha Bhatkhande, Dean of Shushrusha Hospital, Nat. V. President of MSSI and Hon.

Vice Chairperson of Mumbai Chapter Mrs. Sundari Raju, Hon. Secretary, MSSI Mumbai Chapter sang Ganesh Vandana to begin the program. She then presented the welfare Services and projects of MSSI.

Chief Guest – Dr. Mohan Joshi, Dean, LTMGH, Sion Hospital

Newer Therapies for – Dr. Varsha Patil, Neurologist of Bombay Hospital

Changing Rehab Needs of the MS Person – Dr. Abhishek Srivastava, Neuro Rehab Specialist, Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani Hospital

Ophthalmologists’ perspective of MS – Dr. Mayur Moreker, Ophthalmologist from Bombay Hospital

Neuropathic Pain Management in MS – Dr. Navita Vyas, Specialist in Pain Medicine & Palliative Care, Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani Hospital

Vote of Thanks – Sheela Chitnis, Co-Founder, MSSI & Hon. Chairperson, Mumbai Chapter

Get Together & Interaction Program for MS Families

By Mumbai No Comments

MSSI Mumbai Chapter organized a Get-Together & Interaction Program for all PwMS families on 16 March 2023 at the Mumbai office.

To lighten the mood, our young-at-heart & dynamic Mrs Vandana Sawant initiated the program with her laughter exercises for all present. Everybody present showed a keen interest and did exercises with her.

PwMS Sudha Kulkarni also demonstrated a few exercises which can be performed even while doing daily chores. We were also fortunate to have Ritika Sahni, Founder-Trustee of Trinayani, an NGO which works for the cause of all disabilities. She enthralled the audience with her captivating voice, ‘Kaisi paheli hai ye zindagi’ song won the hearts of all and made them sing in chorus with her. The most awaited talk was of Dr Sarosh Katrak, Emeritus Director, Dept. of Neurology, Jaslok Hospital & Research Centre. He explained MS and the course of the disease in simple terms. It was followed by one-to-one interaction with MS families. We also had a Caregiver Session with Hon. Committee Member, Mrs. Anita Vesuvala. She gave tips on the daily management of MS to our newly registered MS Persons, especially how to cope with depression, stress, emotional outbursts etc.

Mrs Sheela Chitnis spoke about the ‘Mera Sapna’ Project, under which we fulfil the small wishes of PwMS. A total of 63 people participated in the event.

India MS Day Event | Medical Seminar

By Mumbai No Comments

The Mumbai Chapter and Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani Hospital (KDAH) jointly organised a Medical Seminar on ‘Conquering MS Disabilities’ on 18 February 2023. After the presentations, an Interactive Q&A session was conducted where the panellists took questions from the audience. Around 110 persons including PwMS, Caregivers, Doctors, Therapists and others attended the program.

The panellists for the event included:

  1. Dr Annu Aggarwal, Consultant Neurologist and Specialist in Cognitive and Behavioural Neurology, KDAH
  2. Dr Niren Dongre, Retinal Surgeon, Dept. of Ophthalmology, KDAH
  3. Dr. Anita Patel, Senior Urologist at Endoskopik Klinik & Hospital & Global Hospital, Mumbai
  4. Dr Darshpreet Kaur, Chief Physiotherapist, Bihar Neuro Diagnostic Centre, Patna
  5. Dr Abhishek Srivastava, Director, Center for Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation at Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani Hospital
  6. Dr Mohit Bhatt, Director- Neurosciences, KDAH

Watch the full event here on YouTube.

Read the Free Press Journal Coverage here.

India MS Day Event | Meet and Greet with MSIF Delegates

By Mumbai No Comments

On 6 February 2023, the chapter hosted a meet and greet with MSIF delegates from London. Ms Annthadine Oyefeso, Organizational Development and Movement Building Manager and Ms Lili White, Communications & Campaigns Officer spoke with the Managing Committee Members, MSSI team and members who had attended MSIF workshops to discuss MSSI’s projects and services.

This was followed by an interactive luncheon meeting at the Dadar Club with 7 Managing Committee members, 5 Neurologists, MSIF Delegates, PwMS & MSSI staff. Prof. Dr Sarosh Katrak, Emeritus Director Jaslok Hospital, Dr Neeta Mehta, Former Prof. & HOD, Neurology of Sir J. J. Hospital, Prof. Dr Sangeeta Rawat Dean of KEM Hospital, Prof. Neeraj Jain of KEM Hospital & Dr Sachin Vaidya of Godrej Hospital also joined us for the luncheon.

India MS Day Event | MS Awareness Programme

By Mumbai No Comments

On Sunday, 5th Feb 2023 at BMC Garden, Near Hotel Taj Lands End, Bandra (W) the Mumbai Chapter organized an MS Awareness Programme as a part of India MS Day activity. Dignitaries present were:

  • Mr Hemant Nerurkar, Hon. National President, MSSI – Chief Guest
  • Dr Rekha Bhatkhande, Dean & Head, Shushrusha Citizens Co-Op Hospital; Hon. National V. President, MSSI and Hon. V. Chairperson, Mumbai Chapter
  • Mr Sandeep Chitnis Hon. National Secretary, MSSI
    • Brief note on MSSI’s various patient care services & projects for better advocacy for PwMS
    • Highlighted the benefits of registering with MSSI
  • Dr Sarosh Katrak, Emeritus Director, Dept. of Neurology, Jaslok Hospital & Research Centre
    • He spoke about MS & its limited treatment in the early years in India
  • Dr Satish Khadilkar, Dean & Head, Dept. of Neurology, Bombay
    • Talked about new treatments and drugs available for MS
  • Ms Annthadine Oyefeso, Organizational Development and Movement Building Manager, MSIF, London
  • Ms Lili White, Communications & Campaigns Officer, MSIF, London

This programme helped create awareness amongst the general public in attendance. It was also a successful way for PwMS, caregivers and MSSI members and staff to interact with the doctors.

Annual Picnic – MSSI Mumbai

By Mumbai No Comments

The Mumbai Chapter organised its annual picnic on Friday, 6th January 2023 at Rani Baug, Byculla. 64 participants including PwMS and their families met for the fun day out.

Rani Baug also known as Veermata Jijabai Bhosale Udyan is a zoo and garden covering 53 acres of land situated at Byculla, in the heart of Mumbai City. It is the oldest public garden in Mumbai with varied flora and fauna.

It was a perfect day to visit the zoo. The attendees took in the sights of various animals in awe and wonder. Some animals that delighted everyone were elephants, tigers, black bears, pythons, cobras, deer, monkeys & baboons.

Next, the group took a tour of the ‘Paradise of Birds’ with beautiful birds like Malabar pied Hornbill, Alexandrine Parakeet, Golden Pheasant, Red-breasted Parakeet, Rose-ringed Parakeet, Military Macaw, African Grey Parrot, White & Grey Cockatiel, Indian Peafowl etc.

The latest and very interesting addition to the zoo was the penguin enclosure that is the home for 13 penguins brought in from Seoul, South Korea.

The Zoo aviary offered a walkthrough among the noisy aquatic birds on the campus. Everyone walked on the wooden bridge, interacted with the birds, and also clicked pictures of the flying beauties. Pelicans, flamingos and albino crows, cranes, herons and storks were among the other species in this aviary made for aquatic birds.

A sumptuous lunch was served and enjoyed by everyone. The group also celebrated Bhakti Jadhav, PwMS’ birthday with wishes of luck and good health.

Dr Dev, Curator of the Zoo personally guided the group through the place and also brought the animals closer to the visitor’s arena so that everybody could capture good selfies and photos. Dr Dev waived the entry fees also which was a big help to MSSI. The chapter is grateful to Dr Dev for his support, making the picnic successful & also thankful to Mr Kais, who provided lunch at concessional rates.

It was a great day for all the attendees with lots of laughter, pictures, and discussions which strengthened the bond between all.

 

MS Awareness Event at Infiniti Mall

By Mumbai No Comments

The Mumbai Chapter organised an MS Awareness Program at Infiniti Mall, Malad on 19 December 2022.

About 80 people joined us including PwMS, their caregivers, friends and families. Mrs. Sheela Chitnis, Hon. Chairperson, Mumbai Chapter gave a short message about MS and MSSI. The highlight of the program was the dance performance by celebrity choreographer, Mr. Devesh Mirchandani. He rocked the Infiniti Mall with his foot-tapping Bollywood song performances.

Other beautiful performances included a Lavani dance by 74-year-old PwMS Sudha Kulkarni. Although Sudha cannot stand without a walker, it was amazing to see her perfect movements using her hands and facial expressions with the help of 2 chairs for balance. PwMS Shashi Patel danced with the help of his better half despite movement restrictions on the famous Srivalli song. PwMS Nadeem Naqui and caregiver Mrs Pandit did a solo music performance with their melodious voices and captivated the visitors of the mall. The program ended with proposing of a Vote of Thanks by Ms Archana Saxena, Hon. Jt. Treasurer of MSSI Mumbai Chapter.

Watch the highlights of the programme here on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/reel/CmYFkI7oEGK/?igshid=MDJmNzVkMjY

Visit to MSSI Mumbai Office by Kush Kale & Interaction with PwMS

By Mumbai No Comments

Kush Kale, grandson of Late PwMS Mrs. Neelima, Former National Treasurer, MSSI and  Late Mr. Sharad Kale is a 1st-year student of MBBS from Oxford University, London. During his trip to Mumbai, he had the pleasure of spending four days with Dr. Pradyumna Oak, Director & Head of Neurology, Nanavati Hospital, Mumbai. To gain a wider perspective of the Indian MS Society, he had a one-to-one interaction with a few patients who are dealing with MS. It was an informative interaction where he highlighted the work done by MS Societies in the UK. This session was organised by Mrs. Sheela Chitnis and attended by Sandeep Chitnis, Hon. National Secretary &  Surekha Nerurkar, Hon. Treasurer of Mumbai Chapter, Kush’ parents Milind & Nutan and sister Kavya along with other MSSI Staff.