Kolkata, August 22, 2025: Roche Pharma India, in collaboration with the Multiple Sclerosis Society of India (MSSI), has launched Walk In My Shoes—a nationwide public health awareness initiative aimed at spotlighting the invisible struggles of people living with Multiple Sclerosis (MS).
MS, a chronic neurological condition that affects nearly 2 lakh people in India and millions worldwide, impairs the central nervous system and often robs individuals of their ability to carry out everyday tasks such as walking, cooking, or even holding a child. The disease is the leading cause of non-traumatic disability among young adults, striking mostly between the ages of 20 and 40, with women two to three times more likely to develop it.
As part of the campaign, simulation zones have been set up to allow people to experience first-hand the physical challenges faced by MS patients. These zones recreate four common symptoms—loss of balance, motor impairment, blurry vision, and loss of sensitivity. The installations are open at:
- Delhi: Select City Walk Mall, Saket (Aug 22–24)
- Bengaluru: Brookfield Ecospace Park, Bellandur (Aug 20–22)
- Mumbai: Phoenix MarketCity, Kurla (Aug 22–24)
In addition, a digital knowledge hub—www.walkinmyshoes.in—has been launched to provide medically verified, evidence-based information on MS.
“With #WalkInMyShoes, we are not just raising awareness, we are igniting mpathy, amplifying patient voices, and driving meaningful change,” said Rajji Mehdwan, Managing Director & CEO – India & Neighbouring Markets, Roche Pharma. “By partnering with MSSI, we are uniting science with compassion to push for an inclusive, patient-centric approach where no individual living with MS is left behind.”
Bipasha Gupta, Chairperson of MSSI (Delhi), emphasized the urgent need for early treatment and greater public awareness. She noted that most patients face financial and systemic hurdles due to limited insurance coverage and lack of clear disability benefit guidelines.
Neurologist Dr. Anshu Rohatgi of Sir Ganga Ram Hospital highlighted the critical role of early and accurate diagnosis. “High-Efficacy Therapies are crucial for active or rapidly progressing cases, as they can significantly slow disease progression and prevent irreversible neurological damage,” he said.
The campaign also encourages citizens to show solidarity by sharing their support on social media using #WalkInMyShoes, helping raise visibility for MS patients who often suffer in silence.
