Indian neuroscientists, physicians, and biotech entrepreneurs are in pursuit of understanding pain. At the Indian Institute of Science, Bengaluru, researchers have dedicated an entire laboratory to explore how hunger pathways in the body can be a solution to managing pain. In Delhi, bio-tech entrepreneurs are trying to formulate a magic pill by understanding how cannabinoids can ease chronic pain. And in Bengaluru physicians are eavesdropping on neuron conversations in the brain, while others are exploring ways of pain management through understanding how protein works in the body to tackle arthritis-related pain.
Indian researchers are at a crossroads in uncovering the mysteries of how pain works. But the country still lags behind in fundamental research when compared to the US and Europe due to lack of funds, infrastructure and research output. While the landscape is gradually growing with a bigger market for pain medications and support for chronic pain, the slow growth will stall the existing health infrastructure in the next decade unless India treats chronic pain as a public health issue.