Naushad Abid.
An update in the management of Rheumatoid Arthritis
J Pak Med Assoc Apr 2005;55(4):167-9.
Aga Khan University Hospital, Karachi

The prevalence of RA in Pakistan is not known because of improper database system in most of the hospitals. Absence of proper health care set up and referral system, most of the patients remain with primary care physicians who may be inexperienced to deal with this condition. It is necessary that primary care physicians should attend continuing medical education (CME) sessions and guidelines should be formed for early referral to a trained Rheumatologist. We have very few trained rheumatologists in our country, therefore postgraduate training in rheumatology will increase well trained rheumatologists in sufficient number to meet the demand. This might play a significant role in improving functional ability and quality of life for RA patients. The new biologic agents are in use in the west since more than ten years and none of them is yet available in our country. Few of our patients have been able to arrange it from abroad at a very high cost. This is high time that our Pharmaceutical industry should come forward and make every possible effort to make these agents available in Pakistan at affordable prices. This is a review article.

Category: Internal Medicine
Keywords: Rheumatoid Arthritis. Arthritis.

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