<p>In recent decades, chronic disorders have become increasingly common, leaving many individuals living with pain that significantly impacts their quality of life. The World Health Organization (WHO) defines health not simply as the absence of disease but as a state of complete well-being. According to a WHO study, individuals living with pain, regardless of its origin or underlying condition, are four times more likely to experience depression or anxiety. Moreover, pain can indirectly influence disease progression, ultimately affecting outcomes. </p><p>Despite advancements in pain medicine, millions of people around the world still suffer unnecessarily. This is often due to a lack of awareness about pain relief, insufficient resources or infrastructure, limited access to healthcare services, and the stigma and misconceptions surrounding pain treatment, particularly concerning certain pain medications. In some regions, cultural and legal barriers further restrict access to essential medications, including opioids, worsening the suffering of those in need.
</p><p>When pain is left untreated or poorly managed, it diminishes not only an individual&#39;s physical well-being but also devastates their emotional and mental health, erodes their dignity, and limits their potential to lead fulfilling lives. Considering this background, every person, regardless of race, age, gender, socioeconomic status, nationality, or disease status, has the right to access appropriate pain management.
</p><p>The Department of Anaesthesiology at the Aga Khan University Hospital has played a significant role in developing pain management services in Pakistan. Key milestones include:</p><ul><li>Pain relief for childbirth: Introduced in 1993  </li><li>Pain clinics for chronic conditions such as back pain, knee pain, cancer pain, and more: Established in 1998 </li><li>Acute pain services for managing pain during and after surgery, as well as for trauma patients: Launched in 2001 
</li></ul><p>The Global Year Against Pain is an annual initiative by the International Association for the Study of Pain (IASP), typically beginning on October 17th and running for an entire year. Each year focuses on a specific theme related to pain management, aiming to raise awareness and promote better pain relief globally. Additionally, October 17th is recognized as World Pain Awareness Day, aligning with the start of the IASP Global Year to emphasize the global impact of pain and the need for better pain relief for everyone.
</p><p>Recognizing pain relief as a basic human right demands action. The government and healthcare systems in Pakistan must prioritize the education of healthcare professionals in the new emerging discipline of “pain medicine,&quot; enhance access to pain management services, and break down the cultural, economic, and regulatory barriers that hinder individuals from receiving the pain care they need. This also necessitates a stronger emphasis on pain awareness in Pakistan, advocating for pain management to be recognized as a crucial component of the universal healthcare system at all levels, from primary to tertiary care.
</p><p>Remember, compassionate and effective pain relief is not a luxury—it is a necessity that should be accessible to everyone. Pain relief is not only a matter of medical care but also of dignity, justice, and humanity.   
</p><p>As we enter the new global year, our goal is to promote the message that pain relief is a fundamental human right, and that every Pakistani should have access to it. 
</p><p><span lang="EN-US" style="text-decoration: underline;"><em>Author:</em></span><em> Dr Gauhar Afshan, Consultant Anaesthesiologist, The Aga Khan University Hospital </em></p><p><span lang="EN-US" style="text-decoration: underline;">Note: </span>This article has also been published on <a href="https://taazataren.com/pain-relief-is-a-fundamental-human-right/">Taaza Taren</a> and <a href="https://247news.com.pk/?p=14034">247 News</a>.
</p>