What are the community resources available for individuals with Parkinson’s disease in India?

March 17, 2025

The Parkinson’s Protocol™ By Jodi Knapp Parkinson’s disease cannot be eliminated completely but its symptoms can be reduced, damages can be repaired and its progression can be delayed considerably by using various simple and natural things. In this eBook, a natural program to treat Parkinson’s disease is provided online. it includes 12 easy steps to repair your body and reduce the symptoms of this disease. The creator of this program has divided into four segments to cover a complete plan to treat this disease along with improving your health and life by knowing everything about this health problem. The main focus of this program is on boosting the levels of hormone in your brain by making e a few easy changes in your lifestyle, diet, and thoughts


What are the community resources available for individuals with Parkinson’s disease in India?

In India, individuals with Parkinson’s disease (PD) have access to various community resources, including support groups, rehabilitation centers, NGOs, and therapy programs. These resources help patients and caregivers manage symptoms, access affordable care, and improve quality of life.

1. Parkinson’s Disease & Movement Disorder Society (PDMDS)
Largest Parkinson’s support network in India.
Provides free physiotherapy, speech therapy, and counseling.
Conducts support group meetings, awareness programs, and research initiatives.
Offers online support programs for patients unable to attend in person.
Locations: Mumbai, Pune, Delhi, Kolkata, Goa, and other cities.
Website: www.pdmds.org
2. Indian Academy of Neurology (IAN)
Organizes educational programs and workshops for PD patients and caregivers.
Promotes awareness campaigns and research initiatives on movement disorders.
Website: www.ianindia.org
3. National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences (NIMHANS) – Bengaluru
Offers specialized neurological treatment and rehabilitation services.
Conducts movement disorder clinics for PD patients.
Provides affordable or free physiotherapy and counseling sessions.
Website: www.nimhans.ac.in
4. AIIMS (All India Institute of Medical Sciences) – Delhi & Regional Branches
Government-run hospital providing subsidized treatment for Parkinson’s disease.
Features movement disorder clinics for diagnosis and long-term management.
Offers DBS surgery (Deep Brain Stimulation) at lower costs compared to private hospitals.
Website: www.aiims.edu
5. Parkinson’s Care Trust (PCT)
Focuses on Parkinson’s awareness, advocacy, and support programs.
Offers home-based therapy and counseling services.
Conducts caregiver training programs.
Location: Chennai
Website: www.parkinsonscaretrust.org
6. Samvedna Senior Care
Provides specialized Parkinson’s care programs, including cognitive therapy and social engagement activities.
Offers home care support for PD patients.
Locations: Delhi-NCR
Website: www.samvednacare.com
7. District Disability Rehabilitation Centres (DDRCs)
Run by the Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment.
Provide free physiotherapy, occupational therapy, and assistive device support.
Available in many districts across India.
8. Online Support Groups & Resources
PDMDS Online Therapy Sessions – Virtual exercise and counseling programs.
Facebook Groups & WhatsApp Communities – Many PD patients and caregivers join local Parkinson’s WhatsApp groups or social media forums for support.
YouTube Channels – PDMDS and other health organizations post Parkinson’s exercise videos.
9. NGO & Charity-Based Assistance
Helpage India – Supports elderly PD patients with medical care and home services. (www.helpageindia.org)
Diya Foundation – Provides community-based rehabilitation for neurodegenerative diseases. (www.diyafoundation-india.org)
Multiple NGOs offer free/subsidized physiotherapy in various cities.
Conclusion
Parkinson’s patients in India can benefit from support groups, physiotherapy programs, NGO aid, and specialized hospital services. The Parkinson’s Disease & Movement Disorder Society (PDMDS) is the most well-known network, but NIMHANS, AIIMS, DDRCs, and NGOs also provide vital resources. Joining support groups and accessing therapy programs can significantly improve a patient’s quality of life.
Impact of Parkinson’s Disease on Healthcare Policy & Funding Priorities in India
Parkinson’s disease (PD) has a growing impact on India’s healthcare policy and funding, though it remains underprioritized compared to other chronic diseases like diabetes and cardiovascular conditions. With India’s aging population increasing, PD is expected to become a larger public health concern, pushing policymakers to allocate more resources toward neurological care, disability support, and long-term management.

1. Inclusion in the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (RPWD) Act, 2016
The biggest policy milestone was the recognition of Parkinson’s as a disability under the RPWD Act, 2016.
This has enabled:
Access to government disability benefits (pensions, employment rights).
Subsidized healthcare in some government hospitals.
Legal protections against discrimination in employment and public services.
2. Limited Government Funding for Neurological Disorders
India’s healthcare budget prioritizes infectious diseases, maternal health, and NCDs like diabetes and heart disease.
Neurological conditions like PD receive minimal direct funding.
Specialized treatment options (e.g., Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS)) are expensive, with little government subsidy.
Government hospitals (e.g., AIIMS, NIMHANS) provide affordable or free consultations, but waiting times are long.
3. Public Health Insurance & Ayushman Bharat Scheme
Ayushman Bharat – Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (PM-JAY) provides ₹5 lakh coverage per family.
While not specifically designed for PD, it can help cover:
Hospitalization for PD-related complications.
Certain neurological treatments (depending on state policies).
Gaps in Coverage:
Long-term medication, physiotherapy, and caregiving costs are not covered.
Only BPL (Below Poverty Line) families qualify, excluding many PD patients.
4. Geriatric & Disability Care Policies
With India’s aging population (projected 20% elderly by 2050), elderly healthcare policies are expanding.
National Programme for Health Care of Elderly (NPHCE):
Provides neurological care for seniors at select hospitals.
Funds district-level geriatric centers for Parkinson’s and other age-related disorders.
Challenges:
Limited implementation in rural areas.
Lack of specialized neurologists in public healthcare.
5. Push for Research & Innovation
The Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) has started funding neurological research on PD.
NIMHANS & AIIMS conduct PD research but need higher funding allocations.
Clinical trials for affordable PD medications and alternative treatments (e.g., Ayurveda-based therapies) are increasing.
6. Future Policy Directions
Stronger disability welfare programs (higher pensions, better insurance coverage).
More funding for public neurology centers in Tier-2 and Tier-3 cities.
Increased subsidies on PD medications through Jan Aushadhi Kendras.
Expansion of caregiver support programs under geriatric healthcare initiatives.
Conclusion
India’s healthcare policies acknowledge PD as a disability but lack dedicated funding for long-term management. Current efforts focus on disability benefits, insurance schemes, and elderly care, but neurology-specific funding and treatment access remain limited. A stronger policy push is needed to expand research, affordable medications, and rural healthcare services for PD patients.


The Parkinson’s Protocol™ By Jodi Knapp Parkinson’s disease cannot be eliminated completely but its symptoms can be reduced, damages can be repaired and its progression can be delayed considerably by using various simple and natural things. In this eBook, a natural program to treat Parkinson’s disease is provided online. it includes 12 easy steps to repair your body and reduce the symptoms of this disease. The creator of this program has divided into four segments to cover a complete plan to treat this disease along with improving your health and life by knowing everything about this health problem. The main focus of this program is on boosting the levels of hormone in your brain by making e a few easy changes in your lifestyle, diet, and thoughts