Colitis & Crohn's Foundation of India (CCFI) Launches Tamil Nadu Chapter to Strengthen Awareness and Care for IBD Patients

Chennai, March 27, 2026: The Colitis & Crohn's Foundation of India (CCFI) today announced the launch of its Tamil Nadu Chapter, marking a significant step towards improving awareness, early diagnosis, and comprehensive care for individuals affected by Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD). The meeting will be held on 29th March 2026, from 8:00 AM to 1:30 PM at Hotel Residency Towers, T. Nagar, Chennai. 

(L to R) Dr.P.Piramanayagam; Dr.Ubal Dhus; Dr.K.R.Palaniswamy, Convenor of Tamilnadu Chapter; Dr.K.Premkumar; Dr.A.Rathnaswamy

IBD is a chronic condition characterized by persistent inflammation of the intestines, often recurring and significantly impacting a patient’s quality of life. Common symptoms include fatigue, abdominal pain, reduced physical functioning, anxiety, and in many cases, social isolation.

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The disease primarily includes two major conditions: Ulcerative Colitis, which affects the colon and rectum, and Crohn's Disease, which can involve any part of the digestive tract.

Data from the CCFI registry highlights a notable North-South variation in disease patterns, with a higher prevalence of Crohn’s Disease in South India. Additionally, a recent multi-centre survey conducted in Tamil Nadu found that paediatric cases account for nearly 10% of all IBD diagnoses in the state.

“IBD is not just ordinary indigestion or a few days of diarrhoea. It is a serious chronic disease that requires early recognition and proper management. India has the highest number of IBD cases among South and South East Asian countries owing to its large population and the rising disease burden. With cases increasing, particularly in urban areas, the Tamil Nadu Chapter will play a vital role in educating the public and ensuring timely access to specialist care,” said K. R. Palaniswamy, Padma Bhushan awardee and Convenor of the Tamil Nadu Chapter.

The newly launched chapter will focus on raising public awareness about early symptoms such as persistent diarrhoea, blood in stool, recurrent abdominal pain, and fatigue. It will also support ongoing research, provide continuing education for healthcare professionals, and build patient support networks to encourage open dialogue around bowel-related conditions.

In addition, the initiative aims to foster collaboration among doctors, surgeons, nutritionists, nurses, and patient groups to deliver holistic care. With appropriate treatment—including medication, biologics, nutritional therapy, and surgery where required—patients can lead productive lives with improved quality of care.

CCFI has been actively engaged in patient education, scientific exchange, and dissemination of reliable information. The Tamil Nadu Chapter is expected to further strengthen these efforts at the state level, ensuring that patients receive timely support and no one faces the challenges of IBD alone.

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