The Speciality
Rheumatology deals with multisystem diseases which demand broad knowledge of all subspecialties of internal medicine. A rheumatologist is often thought to be the most complete physician, who attempts to figure out the most difficult cases through multi-levels investigation.
Advanced Medication
In recent years, therapeutic approach to the rheumatic diseases has dramatically changed due to the enormous pregress in understanding of the pathogenesis of these diseases followed by development of biological drugs targeting the molecules directly.
Continuous Growth
In last few decades Rheumatology has evolved to become an independent faculty of clinical treatment. Several hospitals in India now have dedicated department of Rheumatology, that provides effective patient care &, as well as, advance research options.
Collaborative Research
Collaboration provides scope to understand how different approaches may address a problems & lead to the development of innovative solutions. IRA & WBBIRA has always been a frontrunner in piloting and implementing new kinds of partnerships in scientific research.
Need guidance from our Panel of Experts?
Rheumatic diseases usually affect your joints tendons, ligaments, bones, and muscles. Common symptoms include: joint pain, swelling, tenderness, stiffness, warmth or redness of joints, fever; headache and fatigue. Please feel free to write to us if need guidance from our Panel of Experts!
Let us help youAbout Us
The Indian Rheumatology Association (IRA) is the professional organization of Rheumatologists and other health professionals who manage Rheumatological diseases include Internists, Immunologists, Pediatricians, Physiatrist, Allied Health Professionals of India.
Rheumatologic disorders affects 6%-24% of the mass in India... The home to World's second largest population!
Rheumatology in India is yet to flourish at its full potential. However, several remarkable initiatives had been taken by eminent physician across the country in past six decades to bridge the gap.
IRA and its West Bengal Branch have a long historical timeline that includes numerous milestones. Some of them are as follows...
- In the year 1960 Dr. M. M. Desai came forward to form Indian Rheumatism Association (IRA) in Mumbai. The West Bengal Branch of IRA (WBBIRA) was established in the year 1966 in Kolkata.
- IRA hosted the 1st South East Asia and Pacific Area League Against Rheumatism (SEAPAL) [now Asia Pacific League of Associations for Rheumatology (APLAR)] conference at Mumbai in the year 1968.
- The 1st joint national conference of IRA was held at Mumbai under leadership of Dr. M. M. Desai in the year 1971.
- In 1976, 1st dedicated Rheumatology Clinic was started at NRS Medical College, Kolkata by Dr. Manjushree Mitra.
- On 15th & 16th February 1980, Joint National Conference of IRA & IAPMR was held at Kolkata for the 1st time under active supervision of Dr. S. K. Banerjee & Dr. K. S. Bose as Joint Presidents and Dr. Asoke Sengupta & Dr. N. Sarkar as Joint Organising Secretaries.
- In 1985, 1st independent IRA National Conference was organised at New Delhi by Dr. G. G. Manasaramani as Organising Secretary.
- In the year 1986, WBBIRA organised 2nd IRACON at Kolkata.
- 8th IRACON was again organized in Kolkata on 19th to 21st March 1993 under supervision of Dr. H. K. Deb as President, Dr. Sukumar Mukherjee as Executive President, Dr. Tamal Kumar Biswas as Organising Secretary and Dr. Manjushree Mitra as Chair Person, Scientific Committee.
- In the year 1996, Rheumatology OPD was started at SSKM Hospital, Kolkata. However, the Official Government Order was released after 5 year in 2001.
- Indian Rheumatism Association was renamed as Indian Rheumatology Association in the year 2000 and 16th IRACON was organised at Kolkata on 1st to 3rd December 2000, Dr. Sukumar Mukherjee, Chairman, Dr. Tamal Kumar Biswas, Chairman, Reception Committee, Dr. Alokendu Ghosh, Organising Secretary and Dr. Madhuchanda Kar, Asst. Organising Secretary being the guiding force behind the show.
- In the year 2008, the existing Rheumatology Clinic transformed into the Full-fledged Department of Rheumatology at IPGME&R under Dr. Alokendu Ghosh.
- On 28th October 2009, West Bengal Branch of Indian Rheumatology Association (WBBIRA) was registered under West Bengal Society Act.
- 29th IRACON was hosted at Kolkata on 6th to 8th December 2013, Dr. S. B. Ganguly, Chairman, Dr. Prodyot Sinha Mahapatra, Organising Secretary, Dr. Alokendu Ghosh, Chairman, Scientific Committee and Dr. R. N. Haldar, Treasurer being the pivotal force.
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Our Team
We are thankful to all the members of IRA and WBBIRA for being a part of the one of the finest Expert Medical Team of our country. The team is under active supervision and co-operation of our Honourable Members of Governing Body:
Dr. Sukumar Mukherjee
Chief Patron, WBBIRA
Dr. Alakendu Ghosh
Chief Advisor, WBBIRA
Dr. R. N. Sarkar
Chief Advisor, WBBIRA
Dr. S. B. Ganguly
Chief Advisor, WBBIRA
Dr. Arup Kr. Kundu
Chief Advisor, WBBIRA
Dr. Sarbani Rudra Sengupta
Chair Person, WBBIRA
Dr. Rathindra Nath Haldar
Vice Chairman, WBBIRA
Dr. Partha Sarkar
Vice Chairman, WBBIRA
Dr. Parasar Ghosh
Secretary, WBBIRA
Dr. Narayan Banerjee
Joint Secretary, WBBIRA
Dr. Geetabali Sircar
Joint Secretary, WBBIRA
Dr. Shyamashis Das
Treasurer, WBBIRA
Dr. Kaushik Basu
Academic Committee, WBBIRAPhoto Gallery
A few moments to remember... Photographs clicked in various event organized by IRA & WBBIRA.
Contact
Currently WBBIRA is operating from the premises of Department of Clinical Immunology & Rheumatology within Institute of Post Graduate Medical Education & Research
Our Address
Department of Clinical Immunology & Rheumatology
Institute of Post Graduate Medical Education & Research
244, A. J. C. Bose Road, Kolkata - 700 020, West Bengal, India