Siena:Nearly three million people in Nepal are dealing with rheumatism-related issues. Dr. Buddhi Paudel, head of the Arogya Swasthya Sadan Nepal, Arthritis Treatment Centre, shared this information during a programme organized by the Nepal Arthritis-Friendly Society on the occasion of World Arthritis Day.
According to National News Agency Nepal, Dr. Paudel highlighted that arthritis affects people of all age groups and warned that untreated arthritis can lead to joint deformities, malformations, and permanent weakness.
Dr. Keshav Sigdel, a rheumatism specialist at Patan Hospital, noted that arthritis patients suffer more during the winter season, and the number of such patients has increased rapidly in recent years. He emphasized that many people mistakenly treat gout as merely a ‘uric acid’ issue or common joint pain and urged timely treatment.
The World Health Organization (WHO) observes World Arthritis Day on October 12 each year with various programmes. The theme for the World Arthritis Day 2026 is “Achieve Your Dreams.”
The Nepal Arthritis-Friendly Society, with technical support from Aarogya Swasthya Sadan Nepal Rheumatism Treatment Centre, Jawalakhel, conducts free health camps at different times to support those affected by arthritis.