CHANDIGARH, 25.04.26-On the occasion of Rheumatological Diseases Awareness Month, medical experts from the Clinical Immunology and Rheumatology Division, Department of Internal Medicine at PGIMER addressed the media to underscore the urgent need to recognize rheumatological diseases as a major yet underappreciated public health challenge in India.

The briefing highlighted PGIMER’s pioneer role in advancing rheumatology care and education, noting that the establishment of India’s first dedicated Centre for Rheumatology in a public sector hospital in India in 1971 marked a significant milestone in specialized patient care and research.

Speaking on the occasion, Prof Aman Sharma, President Indian Rheumatology Association highlighted that Rheumatic and musculoskeletal (RMSK) diseases affect nearly 25–30% of the Indian population, placing them among the top 25 causes of disability nationwide. Statistics show that up to one-fifth of affected individuals experience significant disability, which often impacts their ability to work and maintain independence. Alarmingly, the highest burden of disability occurs in the 25–49 age group—the most economically productive segment of society—leading to substantial socio-economic consequences.

Dispelling Common Misconceptions the experts focused on dispelling common myths surrounding arthritis and related disorders. "Arthritis is not a single disease but a broad umbrella encompassing over 100 distinct conditions, including rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, vasculitis, spondyloarthritis, and connective tissue disorders," the medical team stated. They further clarified that these conditions are not limited to the elderly, nor are all joint pains attributable to uric acid; importantly, not all forms require lifelong treatment.

Conditions such as low back pain, soft tissue rheumatism, and fibromyalgia are widely prevalent across both rural and urban populations. Disability indices reveal that nearly 37% of rheumatoid arthritis patients experience significant functional impairment, while about 22% face limitations in their ability to work.