The 7th World Parkinson's Day was celebrated on 6th of December 2003 with noted stalwarts in neurology pledging their commitment in streamlining and assisting the treatment of patients inflicted with the disorder.

Health experts also warned of a significant threat that was being observed, including the constant rise in the number of patients suffering from the neuropsychological disorder.

The two-day international symposium, held for the first time in the Indian subcontinent, was organized by the Parkinson's Disease and Movement Disorder Society on the 6th and 7th December 2003 at Hotel Taj, Mumbai.

Dr TN Mehrotra, president of PDMD welcomed the guests who included renowned neurologists and experts from the country and abroad. International delegates on the occasion included Dr Philip Thomson and Dr Alexander from the University of Western Australia, Dr Wolfgang Oertel from Germany, Dr Yoshikuni Mizuno from Japan and Dr Mary Baker from the UK.

Warning the delegates about the discerning issues of PD that required urgent attention, renowned neurologist Dr Naushir Wadia, who was also the chief guest at the occasion, said that the disease had made significant strides in the past two centuries inflicting a number of millions around the world.

The treatment, which was not easy until a few years ago has today made rapid progress in patient care, new drug discovery and devices, said Dr Wadia. He further urged the delegates to join hands with the government in reaching out to the patients of PD especially the elderly, who are the major sufferers of the disease.

Assuring maximum support from the coffers of the government, Dr Vijay Chandra, regional advisor, WHO for SEAR (South East Asian Regional) countries said the government would do all within their limits to bring the disease under control.

While agreeing to the fact that the non-communicating diseases including neuropsychological disorders, the leading cause of disability, was being ignored by the government, Dr Chandra gave out assurances of creating policies and programmes that would on a larger scale try and reach out more patients from the rural community.

Until now, about 90 per cent of the treatment was not reaching this section of the population, said Dr Chandra.

Dr BS Singhal, chairman, organizing committee of PDMD, proposed the vote of thanks, and lauded the efforts of the organizers in making the event a memorable one. He also called on for greater assistance on part of the attending delegates in bringing the disease under control and assuring of a greater role in reaching out to the rural masses.