World MS Day 2026: How ICMR And NIMHANS Are Leading India's Fight Against Multiple Sclerosis - ETV Bharat

On World MS Day 2026, the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) and the National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences (NIMHANS) unveiled a joint national strategy to combat Multiple Sclerosis (MS) in India, focusing on aggressive early detection and a novel nationwide MS Registry. This critical push aims to dramatically shorten Diagnostic Delays, a long-standing impediment to effective treatment and improved patient outcomes across the country. The initiative directly confronts the rising incidence of MS and the persistent low awareness that has historically plagued India's response to this debilitating autoimmune disorder. The new strategy emphasizes the emerging concept of Pre-Multiple Sclerosis (Pre-MS), seeking to identify at-risk individuals and intervene before irreversible neurological damage from Demyelination occurs. This proactive stance, backed by enhanced research into genetic predisposition and localized Neuroinflammation patterns, represents a significant pivot from reactive care to preventative neurological health. Looking ahead, the ICMR and NIMHANS plan to roll out targeted public awareness campaigns and expand access to advanced diagnostic tools, particularly in rural areas. The success of the national MS Registry will be pivotal in tracking disease progression, evaluating the efficacy of existing and new Disease-Modifying Therapies (DMTs), and guiding future Public Health Initiatives, setting a new benchmark for managing Neurological Disorders in India.