East Delhi | Dilshad Garden Special Correspondent: Arun Sharma

Autoimmune diseases are fast emerging as a significant health challenge for India’s young population, medical experts warned during a special awareness programme held in East Delhi. Specialists emphasized the urgent need for early diagnosis, improved infrastructure, and greater public awareness to combat these chronic and often life-altering conditions.


The awareness event, titled “Rheumo-Ortho Doc Talk”, was jointly organized by Swami Dayanand Hospital, Dilshad Garden, and CAAS India News Network at the hospital’s library hall. The session brought together leading experts who shed light on various autoimmune disorders and their long-term impact on patients’ quality of life.


Early Diagnosis Can Be Life-Saving
The programme began with a ceremonial lamp lighting led by Dr. Narottam Das, Medical Superintendent of Swami Dayanand Hospital, followed by a Saraswati Vandana performed by nursing college students.

Addressing the gathering, Dr. Narottam Das stressed that early diagnosis is the most critical weapon in fighting autoimmune diseases.
“Early detection can significantly reduce the long-term impact of disease. Knowledge can create miracles, and awareness can change lives,” he said.
He illustrated the importance of timely diagnosis by sharing a real-life case of a woman whose persistent headache was initially ignored but later diagnosed as a brain tumor through a CT scan—allowing for timely treatment and recovery.
He also advised families with a history of Rheumatoid Arthritis or other autoimmune disorders to remain especially vigilant.


Ankylosing Spondylitis: A Silent but Progressive Disorder
Senior Orthopedic Surgeon and Joint Replacement Specialist Dr. Gaurav Sharma, from the Orthopedics Department, highlighted the growing prevalence of Ankylosing Spondylitis (AS)—a progressive autoimmune condition affecting the spine and joints.
According to Dr. Gaurav Sharma:
The disease commonly affects youth aged 15–35 years.
Men are more frequently affected than women.
If left untreated, it can lead to permanent joint damage and disability.
Lifelong treatment may be required.
He warned that many people mistake AS symptoms for routine back pain. A key indicator, he noted, is morning stiffness lasting more than 30 minutes that improves with movement and persists for over three months. In such cases, consultation with a rheumatologist is essential.


Rheumatoid Arthritis More Common in Women
Speaking on Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA), Dr. Jainet, Head of the Department of Medicine, explained that the disease disproportionately affects women and primarily targets small joints.
She emphasized that:
Early diagnosis and timely medical intervention can effectively control symptoms.
Modern medicines are now available to significantly manage disease progression and improve quality of life.


Uveitis Can Lead to Vision Loss
Highlighting another serious autoimmune complication, Dr. Biti, Head of the Ophthalmology Department, spoke about Uveitis, an inflammatory eye condition that may be associated with Ankylosing Spondylitis.
She cautioned that:
Uveitis causes inflammation in the inner layers of the eye.
Symptoms include eye redness, pain in bright light, and blurred vision.
Delay in treatment may result in permanent vision loss.
Timely detection and intervention, she stressed, are critical.


Interactive Session Empowered Participants
During the interactive segment, experts responded to numerous questions from attendees in simple and accessible language. Participants raised concerns about joint pain, lifestyle management, and preventive care, making the session highly informative and practical.


Strong Medical Presence at the Event
The programme saw the presence of:
Dr. Panigrahi, HOD Orthopedics
Former HOD Dr. Dutta
Dr. Yongla
Senior OT Technician Rahul R. Pandey conducted the event with engaging stage moderation. Hospital staff, library personnel, and security teams played a key role in ensuring the event’s success.


A Growing Public Health Concern
Experts unanimously agreed that Autoimmune Diseases—including Ankylosing Spondylitis, Rheumatoid Arthritis, and Uveitis—are becoming a growing public health concern among youth.

The message from the event was clear:
Awareness, early diagnosis, and sustained treatment are crucial to preventing long-term disability and preserving quality of life.
With rising cases among young individuals, the medical community is calling for stronger infrastructure and broader awareness campaigns to tackle this silent but serious health challenge.