Department of Rheumatology in India was first established at the Army Hospital, Delhi in 1973. Presently there are six rheumatology centres in the Armed Forces in Delhi, Kolkata, Pune, Lucknow, Bangalore and Chandimandir (Chandigarh). The rheumatologists working in these institutions have been formally trained in prestigious medical institutes of rheumatology like All India Institute of Medical Science (AIIMS), New Delhi, Medical College, Chennai and Sanjay Gandhi Post-graduate Institute of Medical Science (SGPGI), Lucknow.

Department of Rheumatology at Army Hospital (Research & Referral) is well-equipped with state-of-the-art facilities like arthroscopy, nephelometery and fluorescent microscope which are benefitting the personnel, their families and ex-servicemen of all the three Services. The department is soon to acquire flow- cytometer and joint scanner to improve the diagnostic skills.

Rheumatological disorders are the most common diseases encountered in the medical practice. These diseases include joints and muscle disorders and host of autoimmune multisystem diseases. There is a need to educate the patients of such disorders that an advanced treatment exists in our country also. Rheumatology includes studies on diseases like rheumatoid arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis and various connective tissue disorders. Rheumatology also deals with systemic connective tissue diseases like systemic lupus erythematosis, progressive systemic sclerosis and polymyosits. All these diseases have one thing in common that most of these problems are associated with arthritis, arthralgia (joint pains) and/or widespread aches and pains. Besides joints, muscles and connective tissue, other vital organs like kidney, heart and lungs can also be involved in these diseases.

Unfortunately, rheumatology as a subject is not very well-covered in undergraduate teaching in medical colleges. This results in delay in the diagnosis. Sometimes misconception, even among doctors, that these diseases are incurable and modern medicine does not offer any remedy, results in patients going to quacks, hakims, sadhus and traditional healers.

Rheumatology Centre is the only centre in the country which has intervention rheumatology unit consisting of arthroscopy for synovial research purpose. The Army Hospital (R & R) also has one of the most modern Joint Replacement Centres (JRC) for the cases of complete joint failure.

There has been a tremendous advancement in the field of rheumatology and immunology in the last decade. Keeping this in mind, the rheumatologists from all over the country would share their views and experiences at the National Rheumatology Update being conducted under the aegis of Department of Rheumatology. This will also be an opportunity for a dialogue between civil and service rheumatologists.