The program, to be held once every three months, aims to create a platform for open dialogue, shared experiences, and expert medical insights. The inaugural session was successfully conducted last Saturday and witnessed the participation of over 40 families. This strong turnout underlines the growing need for holistic, community-based care alongside medical treatment for end-stage liver disease patients.

Commenting on the initiative, Dr. Prashanth N, CEO – Aster Hospitals, Karnataka Cluster, said, “We’re incredibly proud to introduce the Support Group System at Aster RV. This initiative reflects our belief that healing extends beyond hospital walls. By bringing together patients, families, and our dedicated ILC team, we’re creating a circle of care that offers strength, education, and emotional support. The enthusiastic participation in our first session confirms that such platforms are both meaningful and essential for long-term recovery.”

The Support Group System is structured to include interactive discussions, personal stories, Q&A sessions with the ILC team of doctors, and peer encouragement. It is designed to address not only medical concerns but also the emotional and psychological challenges that transplant patients and their caregivers often face.

This commendable initiative underscores Aster RV and the ILC Team’s unwavering commitment to delivering comprehensive care, focusing not just on treatment but also on building a community of understanding, empathy, and resilience for transplant patients. When one has to care for an ailing family member, Aster RV Hospital ensures that it supports not only the patient but also the family caring for them.

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PUNE:  Apart from moral support and information resources, patient support groups will have a larger role to play in the research, advocacy, guidelines, and influencing policy decisions opined Dr Chandrasekhara S, President IRA (Indian Rheumatology Association). He was speaking at the annual ‘National Patient Convention’ organized by Mission Arthritis India (MAI), a voluntary support group for patients of arthritis and rheumatism since 2000. Chief Guest Dr. Chandrasekhara S, President IRA, Guests of Honour Dr. Kiran Seth, Senior Consultant Rheumatologist, Delhi, Dr. Kavita Krishna, HoD Rheumatology, Bharati Vidyapeeth Medical College, Mrs. Manisha Sanghavi, Director Sancheti Healthcare Academy along with Dr. Arvind Chopra Director and Chief Rheumatologist Center for Rheumatoid Diseases (CRD), Sharayu Bhat, Founder Member & Trustee, MAI, Deepa Mehta, Chairperson, MAI, Shweta Kulkarni, Secretary, Rani Parasnis, Trustee, Mission Arthritis India, & Shivani Barve, Treasurer were present on the occasion. The Annual souvenir was also released on the occasion. 

More than 100 patients and about 15 rheumatologists came together to discuss various aspects and management of rheumatoid arthritis.

Dr Chandrashekhara S, President of IRA (Indian Rheumatology Association) said that the way we see, treat, or manage patients of autoimmune arthritis has changed. The concept itself has changed over the last twenty-five years. We now have choices with more than 40 to 50 drugs. Which one to give, when to give, how much to give, there is a lot of research that goes on. Therefore guidance and recommendations are key. The disease itself is complex and affects different persons differently. Hence apart from moral support and information patient support groups will have a larger role to play. Dr. Chandrashekara pointed out two areas the first being research where advocacy groups, associations, and societies can help create funds for research which can be useful for the medical fraternity and can change the perspectives of treatment and management. Secondly, referring to the Western world, he said that patient groups need to push themselves to be a part of advocacy in terms of creating some guidelines. Patient support groups should also play an active role in presenting various issues like insurance to the Government and other policy-making bodies.

Addressing the patients, he said that arthritis keeps coming but your spirits should not die with it. When we start walking fall is inevitable, we should get up and get walking, and when we look at it from this perspective things change 

Dr. Kiran Seth, Senior Consultant Rheumatologist, Delhi said that every human being has the power to fight the disease but also to create an environment where they can inspire others to fight it. Following prescription, diet, exercise, mental health, and attitude are key for arthritis patients to make life easier. 

Dr. Kavita Krishna HoD Rheumatology said that it is true that arthritis is seen more in women, especially autoimmune arthritis.

It is challenging for women with arthritis. Correct diagnosis, treatment, and control of modifiable factors like weight management, low-impact exercises, diet, medication and can help in pain management.

Mrs Manisha Sanghavi, Chairperson of Sancheti Healthcare Academy said that arthritis can slow us down but the human spirit is far superior.

The highlight of the program was Late Shri. P C Nahar Oration Award was conferred to Dr Vaijyanti Lagu Joshi one of the first female rheumatologists in Pune.

CRD Vat Viruddha Yoddha Award was given to Shalaka Burande from Pune &  Vachasamrita S, Co-Founder of Lupus Trust  India, Kochi was conferred Shri Haribhau Rathiji Vat Viruddha Yoddha Award.

Shweta Kulkarni. Secretary MAI gave the welcome address, Deepa Mehta, Chairperson MAI said this year is an important milestone for us as we celebrate the SILVER JUBILEE year.

Deepa Mehta, Chairperson of Mission Arthritis India said this year is an important milestone for us as we celebrate the SILVER JUBILEE year. The platform is for seeking knowledge from renowned doctors about arthritis. The patient support group for arthritis provides emotional support, a sense of belongingness, understanding others’ similar concerns in a nonjudgemental environment, sharing experiences, and information, and making all understand that they are not alone. This helps in empowering the patients and helps them make informed decisions.

Dr.Arvind Chopra Director and Chief Rheumatologist Center for Rheumatoid Diseases (CRD) said that if we want to create awareness about bone and joints at every level, we need people who can be a bridge between doctors and patients. And that was the reason we started this support group ‘ MAI’. Awareness, Knowledge, and empowerment are the main pillars of MAI.

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RIYADH, SAUDI ARABIA: The Arab Coordination Group (ACG), a strategic alliance of ten leading development finance institutions, announced today a landmark commitment of up to US$10 billion by 2030 to address the critical challenges of land degradation, desertification, and drought. The announcement was made during the Ministerial Dialogue on Finance: “Unlocking public and private finance for land restoration and drought resilience”, at the 16th session of the Conference of the Parties (COP16) to the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD), hosted in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

This transformative commitment, made as part of a joint communiqué issued by the Heads of ACG Institutions, will drive land restoration efforts, enhance climate resilience, and promote nature-positive development across vulnerable regions. ACG members will leverage innovative financing instruments, mobilize resources, and strengthen partnerships to support sustainable land management, biodiversity conservation, and food security, particularly in the Middle East, North Africa, and the Sahel.

“The ACG’s US$10 billion pledge underscores our shared determination to address some of the most pressing challenges of our time. By restoring degraded lands and combating desertification and drought, we are not just preserving ecosystems but also securing livelihoods and fostering resilience in the world’s most vulnerable communities,” said Islamic Development Bank Group Chairman, H.E. Dr. Muhammad Al Jasser, speaking on behalf of the ACG.

The Group’s new pledge builds on (and will be primarily sourced from) its US$50 billion pledge made in Riyadh in November 2023 to help build resilient infrastructure and inclusive societies in the African continent, its US$24 billion pledge for climate finance made at COP 27 in November 2022, and its US$10 billion for Food Security Action Package announced in June 2022.

The ACG acknowledged Saudi Arabia’s leadership in advancing key global environmental initiatives, including the Saudi and Middle East Green Initiatives, and the G20 Global Land Initiative. These programs serve as benchmarks for global collaboration and underscore the importance of coordinated efforts to enhance land restoration and climate adaptation.

The Group also reaffirmed its commitment to supporting the global agenda for land protection and restoration as well as the Riyadh Global Drought Resilience Partnership in alignment with the UNCCD objectives. It does so by fostering partnerships, mobilizing resources, and calling for the creation of international platforms for knowledge-sharing and capacity-building to support sustainable land management, climate adaptation, and ecosystem restoration globally.

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From 4600 in 2018, we have been able to raise the number of SHGs to 45000, says the Hon’ble Chief Minister; Presidents laud the efforts of the Government

MUMBAI: The Hon’ble President of India, Smt Droupadi Murmu, graced the Self-Help Groups (SHGs) Programme organized by the Government of Meghalaya, at the Baljek Airport, Tura. During her visit, the Hon’ble President also laid the foundation stone for the New Integrated Administration Complex, marking a significant step towards enhanced administrative capabilities in the region. Esteemed dignitaries in attendance included Hon’ble Governor of Meghalaya, Shri Phagu Chauhan, Hon’ble Chief Minister, Shri Conrad K Sangma, Minister of Community & Rural Development, Shri Abu Taher Mondal, Minister of Education, Shri Rakkam A Sangma amongst others.

Reflecting on the women of Meghalaya and the SHGs, the Hon’ble President said, “I have interacted with many SHGs of Women. I have noted that they are all happier and more satisfied after they start earning and contributing economically to the family. I have witnessed the same confidence and energy among all the women present here today. The idea of women-led development can be implemented only when women get the freedom to implement their choices. I do not mean that women can make decisions only if they are the earning member of the family but economic self-reliance brings a better self-confidence in women.”

Lauding the efforts of the Conrad Sangma-led Government, the Hon’ble President spoke about different SHGs of Meghalaya and said that these initiatives like the Lakhpati Didi “aim to transfer the rural economy and improve quality of life of rural people by promoting women entrepreneurship. The people need to take all the opportunities that the Government is providing them. It is said ‘Ek Akela thak jaayega, milkar bojh uthana’, and the SHGs reflect the same where the women come into groups and empower themselves, receive financial support from the Government, banks, and other institutions”.

Speaking at the program, Hon’ble Chief Minister, Shri Conrad Sangma said, “We express our earnest gratitude to our respected President for her maiden visit to our state. Being the first tribal President of the country is indeed a very special moment for each one of us. In Meghalaya, we had less than 4600 Self Help Groups when he took over the government in 2018. In mere 5-6 years, we have been able to raise this number of groups to nearly 45000. Today, almost one woman from every rural household is a part of one SHG or the other. Our government does not believe in scheme-based development. We believe in a stakeholder-based approach, a purpose-driven approach, for the youth, women, and Farmers of Meghalaya”.

The highlight of the event was a compelling success story presented by Smt. Venella D Sangma, an SHG member, spoke about how the support from the Government transformed her hardships into opportunities for growth. Hon’ble President went down the dais and talked to hundreds of women in person, listened to their stories visited the stalls, and gave them suggestions for growth.

Following this, President Murmu participated in the disbursement of the Community Investment Fund amounting to Rs 25 crores and loans worth Rs 32 crore, reaffirming the government’s commitment to empowering local communities. Additionally, she awarded certificates to three exemplary SHGs and three Village Organizations, recognizing their outstanding contributions to community development.

Initially, Hon’ble Minister of Community & Rural Development Shri Abu Taher Mondal conferred the welcome address and thanked the Honourable President for visiting the state. Hon’ble Minister laid focus on the growth of SHGs in the state and the programs including PRIME, FOCUS and FOCUS+, CM ELEVATE, and others highlighting their transformative role in the lives of the people of Meghalaya.

After the successful program at Baljek Airport, President Murmu proceeded to Shillong to lay the foundation stone for the Shillong Peak ropeway project and inaugurate other key infrastructure projects, further underlining the government’s dedication to fostering progress and connectivity in the region.

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To use the feature, riders can add their friends to their Uber ride by sharing details of the ride through messaging apps. Once the friends join the journey, they can add their own pickup locations, which will get updated to the ride. The feature also aims to decongest roads by reducing the need for individual vehicles when groups of friends, colleagues, or relatives are headed toward the same destination.

Commenting on the launch of the new feature, Nitish Bhushan, Director of Central Operations, at Uber India, said, “We are always innovating for our customers and looking at ways to make travel more affordable and seamless. With Group Rides, we are offering customers the option to save more while they are riding with people they know. Not only do riders save money and arrive at the common destination together, they also do the good deed of reducing vehicles on the road by getting more butts in fewer cars.“

Group Rides ensures the driver’s earnings aren’t impacted negatively, as they would continue to receive the same amount according to the route they take, as they would in an Uber Go or Uber Premier ride.

To book a Group Ride trip, riders can tap the Group Ride icon in the updated Uber app, begin a request for a Group Ride, and review the booking details in the app. They can then invite friends to join the ride by sending them a link to the trip, allowing friends to add their own stops, wait for the driver-partner, and enjoy the ride.

Uber’s mission is to create opportunity through movement. By changing how people, food, and things move through cities, Uber is a platform that opens up the world to new possibilities.

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