We had written on these columns about amendment of the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substance (NDPS) Act of India which is pending before the Parliament, and which will ease the access to opioids for pain relief. The matter was listed for discussion on all four days of the monsoon session so far – Monday to Thursday – but no legislation could really happen because of other issues coming up.

However, we understand that there is universal support for the NDPS amendment among the ruling party as well as among all major opposition parties. The combined advocacy by the palliative care fraternity has been very effective and leaders of all those parties have assured us that the NDPS amendment bill will go through.

We keep our fingers crossed!