AIIMS New Delhi and DGE M/o Labour & Employment sign historic MoU to empower patients with Rheumatological Disabilities
New Delhi, 01 February 2024 – In a landmark move, the Department of Rheumatology at AIIMS New Delhi has collaborated with the Directorate General of Employment, Ministry of Labour & Employment, Govt of India. This collaboration, marked by a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signing event on 01 February 2024 at 3.15 PM in Shram Shakti Bhawan, New Delhi, is a significant stride towards uplifting the lives of individuals afflicted with rheumatological diseases.
The MoU is a beacon of hope for those battling disabilities due to rheumatic conditions, offering a pathway to skill certification and meaningful employment. This initiative aims to alleviate caregiver burdens and enhance life quality for these patients.
Distinguished Presence and Endorsements
The event was graced by luminaries such as Prof (Dr) M Srinivas, Director of AIIMS New Delhi; Ms Arti Ahuja, Secretary M/o Labour & Employment, Govt of India; Shri Ramesh Krishnamurthi, Additional Secretary MoLE; and Shri Amit Nirmal, Deputy Director General (Employment), MoLE, Govt of India.
Prof (Dr) Uma Kumar, a leading voice in rheumatology, commended the efforts of the Directorate General of Employment towards integrating Persons with Disabilities (Divyangjan) into the workforce.
Reflecting on this significant collaboration, Dr. Uma Kumar stated, “This MoU marks a transformative step in integrating the needs of patients with rheumatological disabilities into our broader employment and social inclusion strategies. It’s not just about medical treatment; it’s about reintegrating these individuals into the fabric of society, ensuring they have the opportunities and support to lead fulfilling, dignified lives.”
Promising Outcomes of the MoU are Hope and Resilience through initiatives to instill hope and foster resilience, offering patients institutional support for economic upliftment and vocational rehabilitation including Skill Certification by partnering with National Career Service Centres for Differently Abled (NCSC-DA), the MoU facilitating skill certifications, enhancing employability and opening new vocational avenues like reducing Caregiver Burden by way of alleviating caregiver strain, empowering patients towards self-reliance. In addition it will encourage Job Fair Participation which according to the MoU would open opportunities for these patients to engage in job fairs organized by NCSC-DA, aiding in securing gainful employment. It may be recalled that Rheumatologiocal disorders are one of the top 10 reasons for total disability.
Patients with rheumatological disorders often face significant challenges, including the development of disabilities despite receiving appropriate treatment.
Psychological trauma, societal stigmatization, and the burden of increasing medical costs further exacerbates their struggles.
Additionally, the lack of vocational opportunities and impact on education and vocation, particularly for those with juvenile onset diseases, contribute to their overall hardships.
According to the press release we’ve seen locomotor impairments in Spondyloarthritides, Rheumatoid Arthritis, Psoriatic Arthritis, and Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis. There have been visual impairments in certain immune-mediated diseases like Systemic Lupus Erythematosus, Vasculitis, Sjogren’s Syndrome etc. With Neuropsychological involvement, there have been cases of intellectual disabilities too. Need for lifelong treatment adds to the economical burden on the family. Many a time these patients are left unattended even by their family.
About Dr. Uma Kumar : A Trailblazer in Rheumatology and Public Health Advocacy
Dr. Uma Kumar, the signatory of this MoU on behalf of the AIIMS, New Delhi has been a pivotal figure in the field of rheumatology in India. As the founder of the Department of Rheumatology at AIIMS New Delhi, she has played a crucial role in elevating patient awareness globally.
Her contributions to the field were nationally recognized a few years ago when she received the prestigious National Award for Science & Technology Communication 2020. This honor, bestowed by the President of India at Vigyan Bhawan, is an initiative of the Department of Science and Technology, Government of India.
Dr. Kumar is also widely acknowledged for her public awareness efforts on tobacco control and other significant health issues. Under her guidance, the Department of Rheumatology at AIIMS New Delhi has conducted several groundbreaking research projects. Currently, she is leading multiple projects that aim to integrate traditional Indian knowledge with modern rheumatological practices, marking a significant advancement in the field.
