Sheela Chitnis (in saree), to her right-Dr Cyrus Poonawalla and model-actor Milind Soman
The Multiple Sclerosis Society of India (MSSI) working for people suffering from Multiple Sclerosis (MS) organized their second MS walk at the Mahalaxmi racecourse, Mumbai on the National MS Day on February 7.
The walk was held in association with Serum International Ltd, Pfizer, Tata Power and Videocon to raise awareness about the disease in India. Approximately 2,500 people including MS families, corporates and the general public joined in big numbers.
Dr Cyrus Poonawalla, chairman of Serum Institute of India Ltd inaugurated MS Walk 2004. “I think MS walk is the best way to spread public awareness about this crippling disease. I hope, it becomes an annual event where new sponsors are invited, so that, there is a broader corporate and donor inclusion from our society,” he said.
“We at Serum are proud to be the one and only Indian organization to register and import Rebif (beta interferon 1a). We are lobbying with the government to bring down the existing duty of 51 per cent on this product so that the therapy becomes affordable to more MS people,” he added.
Sheela Chitnis, national coordinator, MSSI, said, “I am really thrilled looking at the attendance. This shows how much we all care for MS people and that gives me confidence.”
Dr Cyrus Poonawalla appreciating the efforts put in by MS Society, announced Rs.4,00,00 worth of Rebif free of cost to the MS Society. Through the MS Society, this will be distributed to the patients who cannot afford to purchase the same.
Pfizer, Tata Power & Videocon donated Rs.500 to MSSI for every person who attended this event.
Nana Chudasama, ex-Sheriff of Mumbai was the guest of honour, Milind Soman, leading model and brand ambassador for MSSI, Hocini Sidi Said of Pfizer, FA Vandrevala of Tata Power, SM Hegde of Videocon, Sunil Khera of German Remedies, Dr Jivraj Shah, Neville Mehta, district governor of Lions International, Kalpana Munshi of Rotary Club of Mumbai were the dignitaries present at the event.