At the third edition of the India Arthritis and Osteoporosis Conclave 2021, held in New Delhi on 17 Oct, doctors and public health experts called for raising awareness around musculoskeletal disabilities and speeding up prevention and treatment solutions along with comprehensive policy decisions and action. The conclave focused on early diagnosis, encouraging people, particularly senior citizens, to come for timely customised treatment and community and rehabilitative solutions at the local level.

The conclave saw participation from more than 1100 delegates with representatives from the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Ministry of Home Affairs, Director General Health Services, Indian Orthopaedic Association, Delhi Orthopaedic Association, AIIMS, Delhi Medical Council as well as corporations, educational institutions, orthopaedic surgeons and pulmonologists, along with faculty experts from Mumbai, Goa, Jhansi, Varanasi, Nagpur and Bhopal.
 
Dr Dhananjay Gupta, Organising Chairman, IAOC 2021 and Director Orthopaedics, Fortis Flt Lt Rajan Dhall Hospital, Vasant Kunj, said, "There is an urgent need for skilled manpower and trained healthcare workers at village and mohalla levels to conduct health camps and spread awareness among the community on the benefits of early diagnosis and timely treatment. We also require digital connectivity and facilities to strengthen online consultations to improve access to remote care, track cases and ensure compliance."
 
Dr Ashutosh Raghuvanshi, CEO and MD, Fortis Healthcare, as the Chief Guest, said, “We need to increase a connection between healthcare providers and the community to improve access. District levels hospitals must have dedicated MSK rehabilitation centres with surgical units and resources must be allocated for central level tertiary care centres for advanced surgery, orthosis, prosthetics and post-operative care. Non-profit organisations and Think Tanks must help with financial and rehabilitative care and placement of the differently-abled in suitable positions as per their abilities."

Image caption- Dr Dhananjay Gupta, Organising Chairman, IAOC 2021 and Director Orthopaedics, Fortis Flt Lt Rajan Dhall Hospital, Vasant Kunj