The number of chapters in Mishneh Torah as we know it, is 1000, although in several sources the number is set at 981 or 982 This is because some changes were made in the chapters (by the Rambam himself). The number of halachic sections however is set at 83; as the Rambam himself writes in his introduction. What is the significance of 83?

In the Talmud we find:

"I will remove (machalah, i.e.) sickness from the midst of them" (Shemos 23:25). It was also taught: Machalah means gall and why is it called machalah! Because 83 different kinds of illness result from it but they are all counteracted by partaking of bread dipped in salt followed by a pitcher of water. (B. Kamma 92b)

This reference to bread and water is symbolic of Torah learning -- the spiritual bread and water. Thus, by studying the Halachic rulings which are found in the 83 sections of the Rambam, one can neutralize and cure all maladies.

And since it is a Torah cure, it even prevents the sickness from coming.

This will certainly increase the study of Rambam, along with all other areas of Torah study, and may this all bring the fulfillment of the promise recorded at the close of the Rambam:

For the earth shall be full of the knowledge of the L-rd, as the waters cover the sea. (Yeshayahu 11:9)

Motzaei Zos Chanukah, 5746