AIIMS to introduce 20-beded facilities soon for Rheumatology patients

Providing a big relief to the rheumatology patients at the hospital, All India Institute Medical Sciences, New Delhi, is all set to introduce a 20-beded indoor services for those suffering from this disorder. This long-awaited facility will be launch for February 21.

Rheumatology services at AIIMS Delhi began in the 1970s, a time when awareness about this medical field was quite low in India. Until 2015, these services operated under the Department of Medicine. Several renowned experts, including Dr. A. N. Malaviya and Dr. Rohini Handa, played a crucial role in shaping rheumatology at AIIMS. However, after their departure, Dr. Uma Kumar took on the responsibility of strengthening and leading the department. She is currently the Head of the Department (HOD) of Rheumatology.

Dr. Uma Kumar’s Role and Contribution

Dr. Uma Kumar joined AIIMS in 1996 and had the opportunity to work with some of the leading experts in the field, including one who is regarded as the “Father of Rheumatology” in India.

From 2009 to 2016, Dr. Uma was the only faculty member handling rheumatology services at AIIMS. In 2015, through her dedicated efforts, the Rheumatology Department was officially established as a separate entity. She played a significant role in creating new faculty positions and recruiting resident doctors, thereby strengthening the department and improving patient care. Despite facing numerous challenges, her relentless work helped expand and develop the department.

Steps Towards New Facilities and Expansion

AIIMS Delhi took a major initiative in 2012 by launching a day-care facility for patients suffering from rheumatic diseases. When the Rheumatology Department was officially set up in 2015, Dr. Uma Kumar never imagined that it would witness such a vast expansion under her leadership.

In 2016, four more faculty members were added to the department, significantly enhancing patient care. Additionally, specialized services such as occupational therapy, vocational counseling, and advanced laboratory tests were introduced to improve the quality of treatment.

Importance of the Rheumatology Department

The primary objective of the Rheumatology Department is to treat diseases related to bones, joints, muscles, and connective tissues. It specializes in the treatment of arthritis, lupus, ankylosing spondylitis, psoriatic arthritis, gout, osteoporosis, and other autoimmune diseases.

Benefits for Patients

The introduction of dedicated beds will significantly enhance healthcare services for rheumatology patients. Critically ill patients will receive prompt and advanced medical care. Furthermore, the new facility will boost research and encourage the development of innovative treatment options, leading to further progress in this field.

Status of Rheumatology in India

India’s first Rheumatology Department was established in the 1990s at Madras Medical College, Chennai, where only students from South India could enroll. Now, AIIMS Delhi is set to launch its long-awaited indoor facility, marking a significant achievement for both the patients and the department. There are also plans to introduce a DM program in Rheumatology soon. Presently, doctors from across the country and abroad come to AIIMS Delhi for training in this specialized field.