The West Bengal Branch of the Indian Rheumatology Association (WBBIRA) was established to advance rheumatology care through education, research collaboration, and patient empowerment. Its vision focuses on improving rheumatological disease management via outreach programs for primary care physicians, fostering regional research cooperation, and conducting regular patient education initiatives.

The roots of organized rheumatology in India date back to 1960, with the formation of the Indian Rheumatism Association in Bombay. The West Bengal branch was founded in 1966 in Calcutta, followed by the state’s first rheumatology clinic in 1976 at NRS Medical College. Over the decades, West Bengal has played a significant role in national rheumatology activities, hosting multiple IRACON conferences and contributing key leadership and organizational support.

Major institutional milestones include the establishment of a government-recognized Rheumatology OPD at SSKM Hospital, and the launch of a full-fledged Department of Rheumatology at IPGME&R in 2008. WBBIRA was formally registered under the West Bengal Society Act in 2009.

In recent years, WBBIRA has continued its academic and patient-focused activities by hosting national conferences, celebrating disease awareness programs such as Lupus Day, and organizing major events including IRACON 2013 and SOARCON 2025 and EZRACON 2025 in Kolkata.

West Bengal branch

Lupus day being celebrated with patients and their relatives

EZRACON2025 was organized by WBBIRA