Published on: October 8, 2024

On August 22, 2024, an online awareness program was held to address the critical issue of opioid availability in Assam. The session brought together key stakeholders from the Food and Drugs Administration (FDA) of Assam, prominent palliative care organizations, and medical professionals dedicated to improving pain management in the region.

The primary focus of the meeting was to discuss and strategize on improving the availability and management of Essential Narcotics Drugs, particularly morphine, for pain relief in Assam.

Here are the key highlights from the session:

• Training on Pain Management: The group underscored the necessity for comprehensive training for doctors in pain management, with a particular emphasis on the use of morphine. This training is crucial for ensuring that doctors are well-equipped to manage pain effectively.

• Recommendations for Training: FDA officials sought recommendations on the duration, institutes, and modes of training for doctors applying for Recognized Medical Institution (RMI) status. The consensus was that a blend of online and hands-on training would be most effective for qualifying doctors as Registered Medical Practitioners (RMPs). The need of hand-on training by the patient’s bedside is considered imperative.

• Compilation of Training Institutes: It was agreed that a list of palliative care training institutes in Assam and across India should be compiled and shared with relevant stakeholders.

• Training Duration in NDPS Rules: The group recommended specifying the required duration of training for doctors in the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) 2015 rules to ensure clarity and compliance. A subsequent letter was submitted to FDA with the  recommendation of a minimum of ten-days of foundation training on palliative care which includes both theory and hands-on sessions.

This collaborative effort marks a significant step towards improving pain management and opioid availability in Assam. By ensuring that doctors receive adequate training and support, we can enhance the quality of palliative care and provide much-needed relief to patients suffering from chronic pain.