Pune : Pain is still an unaddressed subject in India. Considering the growing geriatric population, increasing number of sportsmen and resultant occasional injuries, increase in long term chronic illnesses which cause atypical pain, pain medicine is quickly emerging as a major medical specialty according to experts. Dr. Pradnya Bhalerao, President Society of Study of Pain Pune (SSPP) and Dr. Sanjog Mekewar, Secretary SSPP said this in a media interaction on the side-lines of annual general body meeting of Society of Study of Pain Pune (SSPP), a part of Indian Society for Study of Pain (ISSP).
Dr. Pradnya Bhalerao, President SSPP said that “Chronic pain can arise from conditions such as spine disorders, nerve injuries, cancer, arthritis, and neuropathic diseases. Many of these conditions require specialized assessment and treatment by physicians trained in Pain Medicine,” She further said that Pain Medicine is a rapidly evolving field combining advanced diagnostics, minimally invasive interventions, regenerative therapies, and multidisciplinary care, offering hope to millions suffering from persistent pain.
Dr. Sanjog Mekewar said that there is a need to improve access to specialized pain care across India. “Untreated chronic pain affects far more than physical health—it significantly impacts quality of life, productivity, emotional well-being, and mental health. Early diagnosis and timely intervention can transform patient outcomes,”
New National Initiative: ‘Find a Pain Physician Near You’
In a significant step toward bridging the gap in pain care, the Indian Society for Study of Pain (ISSP) has launched a nationwide public awareness initiative titled “Find a Pain Physician Near You.”
Millions of Indians continue to live with chronic pain that remains either untreated or inadequately managed. The new initiative aims to improve awareness regarding specialized pain treatment and strengthen the national network of trained Pain Physicians.
As part of this initiative, ISSP is developing a national online directory of Pain Physicians, enabling patients, caregivers, and referring doctors to quickly locate qualified specialists in their city or region.
The directory, currently under development, has till now around 1,000 Pain Physicians across India, including approximately 30 specialists from Pune.
Dr. Sanjog Mekewar explained, “This directory will serve as an important bridge between patients and specialists, ensuring faster access to appropriate treatment and helping people understand that chronic pain is treatable.”
The Indian Society for Study of Pain (ISSP) is the Indian chapter of the International Association for the Study of Pain (IASP) and represents physicians and scientists committed to improving pain care, education, and research throughout the country.
PAINSCOPE PUNE 2026: Spotlight on the Science of Chronic Pain
Continuing its commitment to education and innovation in pain management, SSPP recently organized PAINSCOPE PUNE 2026, its first annual conference in Pune.
Centered around the theme “Unravelling Fascia: The Hidden Key in Chronic Pain,” the conference brought together leading experts to discuss cutting-edge research and emerging treatment approaches, particularly the growing understanding of fascia as a critical contributor to chronic pain syndromes. More than 150 pain physicians participated in the conference which marked an important milestone in advancing awareness and scientific dialogue around modern pain management.
As awareness grows and technology advances, experts believe Pain Medicine will play an increasingly central role in healthcare delivery in the coming decades.
Patients and healthcare providers can locate a Pain Physician through the official ISSP website:
www.issp-pain.org
https://www.issp-pain.org/
www.issp-pain.org
https://www.issp-pain.org/
Comments are closed.