Rheumatology departments may be set up in Karnataka government hospitals

Bengaluru: The govt is working towards establishing dedicated rheumatology departments in all its hospitals, Dr Sharanprakash Patil, minister for medical education and skill development said Friday at Indian Rheumatology Association Conference (IRACON) 2024.

Highlighting the pressing need for awareness and early intervention, Rao said rheumatic diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis, lupus and spondyloarthropathies affect millions in India yet public awareness is lacking. This leads to delayed diagnosis and significant disability.

One of the govt's first steps in this direction will be the creation of a rheumatology department at Bangalore Medical College, a project he described as a model for future initiatives.