Official Karnataka Rheumatology Association

Welcome to the official website of Karnataka Rheumatology Association (KRA)

ಕರ್ನಾಟಕ ರುಮಾಟಾಲಜಿ ಅಸೋಸಿಯೇಷನ್ ನ ಅಧಿಕೃತ ಜಲತಾಣಕ್ಕೆ ಸುಸ್ವಾಗತ

About KRA
(Karnataka Rheumatology Association)

Karnataka Rheumatology Association (KRA), is a State chapter of the Indian Rheumatology Association. It was established by Dr. K M Mahendranath, one of the firsts rheumatologists in Karnataka. Ever since its inception in 1993, KRA has been one of the fastest growing and continued to be the most dynamic state chapters of the Indian Rheumatology Associations.

Rheumatological disorders include chronic conditions affecting not only the joints and connective tissues but many internal organs as well. Thus rheumatological conditions are not only associated with pain but many other problems (lung, heart and kidney problems) which can potentially reduce the life span of the patient. Rheumatologists are doctors specialised in the evaluation, diagnosis and treatment of such illnesses. These diseases include rheumatoid arthritis, spondyloarthropathy, lupus, sjogren’s, scleroderma, and others. Due to reduced awareness, patients receive little or no support from the Government, employers and occasionally receive little support from their families as well. This compounds the burden on patients- socially and economically. The chapter has been organizing various events to sensitize the government as well as other people regarding the burden faced by patients and the way patients with these conditions can be helped.

Apart from being focussed on patient care, the Karnataka chapter has been at the forefront in the advancement of rheumatology by offering new learning opportunities for young budding rheumatologists. It has been supporting and sponsoring young rheumatologists to go abroad to increase their knowledge and experience in this field which will inturn benefit the local populace on their return. It was the first state chapter to organize conferences (CMEs) to teach non rheumatology doctors about rheumatological conditions. Ultimately, this initiative is aimed to increase the number of qualified rheumatologists in Karnataka State. The state chapter has been organizing an annual state conference in underserved areas of Karnataka to increase the awareness regarding the speciality.(NEWS, GALLERY)

History of KRA

Rheumatology practice in Karnataka began in 1983 when Dr. Mahendranath opened a private center in Bangalore and laid the foundation for the Karnataka Rheumatology Association (KRA). Initially, KRA had only three rheumatologists when Dr Satish Kalanje and Dr Anupama swamy joined the team. It expanded as Dr. Dharmanand, and Dr. Chandrashekhara joined KRA in 1997. In 2001, St. John’s Medical College in Bangalore introduced rheumatology services and by 2011, a fully-fledged department lead by Dr Vineeta Shobha was established. Since then it’s grown considerably with Fellowship and DNB training programmes, patient awareness and educational activities.

Over the years, KRA has grown significantly, with many more rheumatologists joining and contributing to fellowship programs, DNB courses, and educational initiatives. The association has produced three national presidents of the Indian Rheumatology Association (IRA) Dr Mahendranath, Dr Dharmanand and Dr Chandrashekhara. KRA was the first to introduce advanced rheumatology courses in India, supported by both national and international faculty.

Rheumatology services are available in selected medical colleges across Karnataka, including St. John’s medical college, JSS Medical College in Mysore, Adichunchanagiri in Mandya and SDM medical College in Dharwad. Recently, OPD services have also been launched at Victoria Hospital attached to Bangalore medical college, with Rheumatologists from various centers volunteering to provide their services. Rheumatology services are being extended to different districts across the state.

Currently we have various centers across Karnataka providing fellowship and DNB training programmes. Bengaluru has currently nearly 50 Rheumatologists and 8 Paediatric Rheumatologists.

KRA has emerged as one of the leading state chapters in the country, contributing to national collaborative research, publishing in international journals, and raising awareness about rheumatological diseases. The association is committed to ensuring that all segments of society have access to high-quality rheumatology care.