Research Initiative in SARPS Countries: Fostering Pathways for Sustainable Development

Abstract

The South Asian Regional Pain Society (SARPS), founded in 2003, attained the official status of a Federation-in-formation of the International Association for the Study of Pain (IASP) in 2020. It encompasses five member countries from the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) region; Bangladesh, India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, and Nepal. The Primary objective of SARPS is to supports its member countries in providing effective, accessible, affordable, and ethical care to individual suffering from pain conditions while also enhancing research collaboration across the region. Although there are many similarities, there are also variations within SARPS countries regarding the barriers they face in research. Addressing these challenges requires a concerted effort through SARPS to raise awareness about the importance of pain research. It is essential to establish clear priorities for pain treatment and research, improve higher education and governance systems, and invest in healthcare and research infrastructure.