India Pharma Outlook Team | Thursday, 12 March 2026
Roche Pharma India today launched NeuroSakhi, a first?of?its?kind patient support and awareness initiative with the Government of Punjab.
The program aims to strengthen care pathways, increase MS awareness, and support women living with multiple sclerosis in the state. MS is a chronic neurological condition affecting the central nervous system and can cause long-term disability if not diagnosed and treated early.
The initiative was formalized through a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed between DMER Punjab and Roche Pharma India at the Punjab Civil Secretariat. Punjab Health Minister Balbir Singh and Principal Secretary–Health Kumar Rahul were present, along with Dr. Hitinder Kaur, Dr. Rupinder Bakshi, and Dr. Dheeraj Khurana of PGIMER Chandigarh.
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Nearly 2,900 people in Punjab live with MS, which mostly affects women between ages 20 and 40. Despite global awareness, many face delayed diagnosis and fragmented care. NeuroSakhi addresses these gaps by improving awareness, support services, and engagement among healthcare professionals, patients, and caregivers.
PGIMER Chandigarh will serve as the central hub, with Government Medical Colleges in Amritsar, Patiala, and Faridkot as regional spokes for coordinated care. The initiative will also improve access to disease?modifying therapies through government formulary inclusion.
DMER Punjab will lead implementation, PGIMER Chandigarh will guide clinical efforts, and Roche Pharma India will provide scientific and technical support. The program will run for one year, with potential to expand across India.
