A new national survey by RusanMed, an initiative of Rusan Healthcare, has revealed a growing health challenge in India — the critical lack of structured pain management. Despite the rise in chronic and lifestyle-related pain cases, India’s healthcare system continues to struggle with three key gaps: lack of trained professionals, low patient awareness, and the absence of dedicated pain clinics.
Survey Highlights a Nationwide Pain Crisis
The Independent Survey on Pain Management in India 2025 reached over 1,000 medical professionals, with 746 doctors responding — more than double the participation in 2024. The findings paint a concerning picture of the state of pain care in India.
◆44% of doctors said pain management must be recognised as a formal medical speciality in India.
◆52.8% cited a lack of trained healthcare professionals as the biggest obstacle.
◆48% said patients lack awareness about when to seek medical help.
◆43% pointed to the absence of pain clinics, especially in smaller cities and towns.
These gaps are forcing many patients to travel from rural areas to metro cities for treatment — a problem reported by over 72% of doctors surveyed.
Delayed Help and Rising Self-Medication
◆The report found that patients often delay consulting doctors until pain becomes severe.
◆Nearly 47% of doctors said patients delay diagnosis.
◆31.9% of patients attempt self-medication, relying on over-the-counter painkillers, balms, or herbal remedies.
As a result, 51.6% of patients visit doctors only when their pain reaches a level of 7 or higher on the pain scale — often when the condition has worsened.
Telemedicine and Training Offer Hope
The survey also points to a few silver linings.
◆41.3% of doctors said telemedicine is proving effective in expanding access to pain care in rural areas.
◆46.6% recommended setting up structured training programs, regional pain clinics, and public awareness campaigns.
◆36.7% of respondents said patient education and counselling are among the most effective treatment tools.
Experts Call for Urgent Policy Action
Commenting on the survey, Malavika Kaura Saxena, Chief Marketing Officer at Rusan Healthcare, said:
“Pain management is not just a clinical issue — it’s a public health priority. This nationwide survey captures the real voices of doctors across India and the systemic challenges they face. The participation of over 746 specialists highlights the urgency of structured solutions.”
She added that Rusan Healthcare aims to spark dialogue among policymakers, healthcare providers, and the public to make pain management a national healthcare focus.
A Growing National Concern
Pain is one of the most under-addressed health issues in India despite its widespread impact on productivity and quality of life. Chronic pain conditions — such as back pain, arthritis, and nerve disorders — are rising sharply due to sedentary lifestyles, aging populations, and post-COVID complications.
Yet, the survey revealed that few medical institutions in India offer pain management as a formal discipline, and most doctors working in this area receive no specialized training.
A Call to Action
The findings of RusanMed’s survey make one thing clear — India needs a stronger, system-wide focus on pain management. With millions silently suffering and self-treating, experts say the time has come to recognize pain care as a national health priority, not just a symptom to suppress.
