Yashoda Hospitals organised a cyclothon from its Secunderabad facility to Necklace Road in Hyderabad on Sunday to raise awareness about arthritis and highlight the importance of physical activity and joint health.

The cyclothon, titled ‘Pedal for Arthritis Awareness’, was held ahead of World Arthritis Day on October 12. More than 500 cyclists from different age groups and backgrounds participated in the event. Pavan Gorukanti, director of Yashoda Hospitals, flagged off the ride.

The initiative aimed to encourage people to adopt active lifestyles, maintain joint mobility and seek timely medical care for arthritis. Mr. Gorukanti said the cyclothon is a public health initiative intended to raise awareness about arthritis, encourage early diagnosis and promote timely treatment. 

“Arthritis affects an estimated 195 million or more people in India and can impact people of all ages. Early detection, timely medical care, a healthy diet, regular exercise and routine health check-ups are essential for better joint health and an improved quality of life. Age should never be a barrier to staying active,” he added.

The initiative was led by senior orthopaedic surgeon Vikram Byre, who highlighted the role of regular movement in maintaining joint function.