I assess all the patients, almost all the patients, because pain is the most common symptom. I assess all the patients, I suggest any changes in the treatment plan that already is present and for patients who have intractable pain I suggest interventions. At the centre we routinely do epidurals; some patients require a celiac plexus block or a ganglion of impar block, we do them at the Government Hospital outside at free of cost.

What are the most challenging pain problems for patients with cancer?

The biggest challenge is that it is multifaceted, you cannot just treat the symptom, you cannot give a tablet and the pain is gone. The total pain concept is such a beautiful concept, we have to keep it in mind every time we treat a cancer pain patient, the physical, psychological, social and spiritual aspects. So I feel that is the most important part which is often neglected when we as doctors, considering the doctor-patient ratio here is so less, so that is why we need to look into all the aspects of pain.

What is your vision for palliative care in the future?

The vision is that any patient, whether cancer or non-cancer pain, should have access to pain management. Pain relief is a fundamental human right so everybody should get it, should have access to it. My vision is that I should be instrumental in delivering that to the patient.