In a major step towards strengthening neurological healthcare in the state, the Government of Punjab has partnered with Roche Pharma India to launch ‘NeuroSakhi’, a first-of-its-kind state-level initiative aimed at improving awareness, care pathways, and patient support for individuals living with Multiple Sclerosis (MS).

The initiative was formalised through a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed between the Directorate of Medical Education and Research (DMER) Punjab and Roche Pharma India at the Punjab Civil Secretariat. The launch ceremony was held in the presence of Punjab Health Minister Balbir Singh, Principal Secretary (Health) Kumar Rahul, Director Health Services Dr. Hitinder Kaur, Joint Director (Medical Education & Research) Dr. Rupinder Bakshi, and Dr. Dheeraj Khurana, Professor of Neurology at Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research (PGIMER) Chandigarh.

Multiple Sclerosis is a chronic autoimmune neurological disorder that affects the central nervous system and can lead to progressive disability if not diagnosed and managed early. According to estimates, nearly 1.8 lakh people are living with MS in India, including around 2,900 patients in Punjab. The disease primarily affects individuals between the ages of 20 and 40 and disproportionately impacts women, who account for nearly 70% of reported cases.

Beyond physical disability, MS often presents with symptoms such as severe fatigue, vision disturbances, cognitive impairment, and other neurological complications, many of which remain under-recognised. Patients frequently face delayed diagnosis, fragmented treatment pathways, and limited long-term support.

The NeuroSakhi programme seeks to address these gaps by strengthening patient awareness, improving clinical pathways, and fostering collaboration between healthcare professionals, patients, and caregivers across the state.

A key component of the initiative is the development of expert-led clinical guidance. A specialist group led by the Department of Neurology at Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research (PGIMER) Chandigarh will support the creation of evidence-based protocols to enable early diagnosis and timely treatment of MS.

The programme will also adopt a hub-and-spoke model for care delivery. PGIMER Chandigarh will function as the central clinical hub, while Government Medical Colleges in Amritsar, Patiala, and Faridkot will serve as regional spokes to facilitate coordinated and multidisciplinary care for MS patients across Punjab.

Another key focus area will be improving access to advanced therapies. The initiative will explore mechanisms to enhance affordability and availability of disease-modifying treatments through potential government formulary inclusion and sustainable funding models.

Additionally, the programme will prioritise capacity building for healthcare professionals through state-wide training initiatives aimed at improving early symptom recognition, timely referrals, and evidence-based management of MS. The PGIMER Neurological Society will support these training programmes for doctors across government medical institutions.

Under the collaboration framework, DMER Punjab will oversee state-level implementation and governance of the programme, while PGIMER Chandigarh will provide clinical and academic leadership. Roche Pharma India will serve as a knowledge and technical partner, supporting scientific exchange, research, and training initiatives.

The NeuroSakhi initiative will initially be implemented for one year, with the potential for expansion and replication in other states. By building a coordinated ecosystem for diagnosis, treatment, and long-term care, the programme aims to significantly improve the quality of life for people living with Multiple Sclerosis in Punjab.