A new study has revealed that over 195 million Indians—nearly one in six people—suffer from arthritis-related pain. Alarmingly, women account for almost two-thirds of this burden. The findings come from the WHO-Community Oriented Program for Control of Rheumatic Diseases (WHO-COPCORD), which identified arthritis pains as the most common self-reported illness in Indian communities, surpassing both diabetes and hypertension.
Osteoarthritis and Rheumatoid Arthritis on the Rise
As reported by the new indian express, the survey, which examined more than 56,000 people across rural and urban India, found that 54.44 million Indians live with osteoarthritis, a condition closely linked with obesity, diabetes, and hypertension. In addition, 4.22 million people suffer from rheumatoid arthritis (RA), a crippling autoimmune disorder that can trigger severe disability, systemic complications, and even premature heart attacks or death.
Younger Women Disproportionately Affected
Particularly concerning, the study estimated that over 1.17 million young women of reproductive age live with RA—significantly higher than global averages. The findings, published in the International Journal of Rheumatic Diseases, highlight the urgent need for early detection and intervention.
Experts Call for Urgent Action
Speaking at a one-day national meeting on arthritis, Dr. Arvind Chopra, Director and Chief Rheumatologist at CRD Pune and principal investigator of the COPCORD India Project since 1996, warned against dismissing arthritis as an inevitable part of ageing. “Our data proves otherwise. Lifestyle and metabolic factors such as obesity, diabetes, and hypertension are fuelling this epidemic,” he said.
Preventable Risk Factors Identified
Dr. Chopra emphasised that preventable risks such as infections, tobacco use, and injuries also contribute significantly. The event, jointly organised by the Department of Rheumatology, AIIMS Delhi, and the Centre for Rheumatic Diseases (CRD), Pune, sought to bring national attention to arthritis as a public health priority.
A Neglected Public Health Emergency
“Arthritis is a leading non-communicable disease. It erodes quality of life, productivity, and even lifespan, yet India has no national program dedicated to arthritis,” Dr. Chopra stressed. He urged the Ministry of Health, AYUSH, and professional associations to unite in launching awareness campaigns. He also called for investing in training more rheumatologists and ensuring early diagnosis at the primary care level.
Training Primary Care Providers is Key
Prof. Aman Sharma, President-Elect of the Indian Rheumatology Association, echoed the call for systemic change. He highlighted the urgent need to educate primary care providers, who handle the majority of community illnesses. “Symptoms and clinical signs that signal severe arthritis must be recognised early to ensure timely diagnosis and effective treatment,” he said.
WHO-COPCORD: A Global Initiative
The COPCORD Project, launched by the World Health Organisation and the International League of Associations for Rheumatology (WHO-ILAR), aims to measure the burden of pain, arthritis, and disability within communities. Its goal is to enhance musculoskeletal health through education, prevention, and early intervention strategies.