Page 64 - Mann Ki Baat - November2022

Finding a Cure for Muscular Dystrophy-
Touchstone of an Atmanirbhar Bharat
Sanjana Goyal
President, Indian Association of
Muscular Dystrophy
We, at the Indian Association
of Muscular Dystrophy (IAMD),
are highly thankful to the Prime
Minister of India who spoke
about the subject of Muscular
Dystrophy in his 'Mann ki Baat'
address and created much-
needed awareness in our
country. Still, a lot is required to
reach the last person afflicted
with Muscular Dystrophy.
Muscular Dystrophy (MD)
is an incurable, progressive
neuromuscular genetic disorder
where the muscles gradually
lose their strength, leaving a
60
60
patient completely immobile
and dependent upon others for
everyday activities. It can come
to anyone at any age, sometimes
more than two siblings also get
affected in a family. The disease
Muscular Dystrophy is still not
known to many, hence to have
an estimate of the number
of afflicted in our country is
difficult, and as there is no
cure for this disorder many get
caught in a web of misdiagnosis
or wrong diagnosis due to
lack of awareness. Being a
progressive genetic disorder, a
person leads a vulnerable life,
particularly if the families are
not connected or empathetic
towards the patient. Hence,
patients need timely emotional
support and care to learn how
to manage their disease. This
learning is important not only
for the patient but for the family
as there are no drugs to cure
Muscular Dystrophy.
The minimum support
requirements of a Muscular
Dystrophy patient are a
supportive family and an
empathetic 24x7 caregiver as
there is a complete physical
dependency. Physiotherapy
is essential as it’s a muscular
disorder and requires specialized
guided exercises. More than
physiotherapy, Hydrotherapy