Marking Rheumatology Awareness Month, the Vasculitis Society of India and the Rheumatology Association of Gujarat (RAG) launched the ‘Vasculitis Patient Support Group’ in Ahmedabad on Saturday. The event included an awareness program on vasculitis — a group of rare autoimmune disorders that cause blood vessel inflammation.
The new support group aims to provide education, guidance, and reliable information to enhance the quality of life for those affected. Originally established in Punjab, the Vasculitis Society is expanding nationwide through patient engagement and outreach to build supportive communities.
In a message on the occasion, Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel congratulated the Indian Rheumatology Association (IRA), the Rheumatology Association of Gujarat (RAG) and the Vasculitis Society of India for the initiative. He commended the IRA and RAG for organising Rheumatology Awareness Month in April.
“I am especially happy that initiatives like Vasculitis Support Group andAntardhwani have been launched to reach out to patients,’’ said the CM in the message.
Vasculitis specifically inflames blood vessels, distinguishing it from conditions like rheumatoid arthritis, which primarily affects the joints. These rare, complex disorders have a global prevalence of 0.02%–0.04%.
Diagnosing vasculitis is challenging for healthcare practitioners due to its wide clinical spectrum. It can affect organs like the skin, kidneys, lungs, or brain. Vasculitis often mimics common diseases such as tuberculosis (highly relevant in India), infections, or malignancy. Diagnosis is frequently delayed by months. There is limited access to advanced tests like ANCA, complement levels, or tissue biopsies.
The condition imposes significant medical, social, and economic burdens: organ damage (e.g., renal failure, stroke, lung haemorrhage) and a chronic relapsing course; reduced quality of life and long-term disability; and high costs for immunosuppressants, biologics (e.g., Rituximab), and frequent hospitalisations that strain patients and families.
“While each type of vasculitis is rare, collectively they affect many patients and remain underdiagnosed in India, leading to preventable complications and disability,” said Dr Aman Sharma, President of the Indian Rheumatology Association (IRA) and Professor at PGI Chandigarh.
He emphasised the national scope: “Vasculitis causes inflammation of blood vessels, posing complex diagnostic challenges. Our mission is to boost awareness across India, improve access to specialised care, and ensure better disease management and health outcomes for every patient.”
Dr Sapan Pandya, IRA vice-president and associate professor of rheumatology at SVP Hospital and Smt. NHL MMC highlighted the local impact: “Launching the Vasculitis Patient Support Group in Ahmedabad builds a community where patients and caregivers access reliable information and guidance. Through education and outreach, we empower them for healthier lifestyles and improved quality of life.”
Dr Reena Sharma, consultant rheumatologist, said: “As RAG President, I’m excited to launch the Vasculitis Patient Support Group to boost rheumatology care. This autoimmune disease inflames blood vessels — like other rheumatologic conditions — showing in rashes, fatigue, or organ issues. Early ANCA-tested diagnosis and Rituximab treatment are vital; awareness empowers better lives.”
The launch also featured Dr Vishnu Sharma, Dr Anuj Shukla, and Dr Dhaiwat Shukla.
Earlier Saturday, SVP Hospital faculty conducted bedside clinical grand rounds with students, teaching rheumatology’s clinical and analytical skills.
Rheumatology Awareness Month
A CME for postgraduates in medicine from Gujarat and around the state is scheduled for April 19 at Smt. NHL Medical College, Ahmedabad. The Department of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology at SVP Hospital will organise such CMEs every year. The department started a DM course in the same field this year. Reputed faculty from outside Gujarat will contribute to the CME. They include Prof. Aman Sharma (PGI Chandigarh), Prof. Vikas Aggarwal (SGPGI Lucknow), Dr Avinash Jain (SMS Jaipur), Dr Banwari Sharma (Jaipur), and Prof. C Balakrishnan (PD Hinduja Hospital, Mumbai). Faculty from NHL and other medical colleges in Gujarat will also contribute to the CME programme, said Dr Sapan Pandya, associate professor of rheumatology of SVP and NHL.
Rheumatology Awareness Walkathon
The Rheumatology Association of Gujarat and the Indian Rheumatology Association will host the Rheumatology Awareness Walkathon 2026 on Sunday, April 26, at the Riverfront, Ahmedabad, from 7am to 9am. The event aims to raise awareness about joint health, arthritis, and autoimmune diseases while encouraging the public to support patients living with rheumatic conditions. Participants will walk alongside autoimmune warriors and leading rheumatologists in a campaign promoting movement, awareness, and early action. With the message ‘Move Free. Live Pain-Free’, the walkathon highlights the importance of healthy mobility, timely diagnosis, and community support in improving lives.