It will also target problems like backache, spinal disorders, severe limb trauma, crippling diseases and deformities in children. The idea of launching the Bone and Joint decade began following the success of the Decade of Brain during 1990-2000. The Decade of Brain had not only served to create an awareness of the impact of brain disorders, but it also to significant scientific advances. Rheumatic and musculoskeletal diseases have a maximum impact on people s lives. Nothing is being done to address the problem at the national level.
Chronic backache can be a crippling disease.
Do you know, a maximum number of man hours are lost due to back complaints, Chopra asks. In India there is no ongoing national program to quantify the burden of the disease. However, there is a lot being done at the national level for communicable diseases. The Government of India has yet to support BJD India when 17 countries have officially endorsed the Bone and Joint Decade already. Dr. Chopra feels countries must reprioritize in order to look at musculoskeletal - rheumatic diseases in the right perspective.