Indian Society for Study of Pain (ISSP) is a professional body representing medical professionals working in the field of Pain Medicine. It is a not-for-profit organisation and exists for the benefit of development of pain speciality in particular. The society was formed in 1984; it is committed for patient care, education, training and research in Pain Medicine. In January 1984, the first meeting was held under the chairmanship of Prof. BC Katiyar, Neurologist (IMS, Varanasi, India). The thought of coming together energized the like-minded professionals and thus Indian Society for Study of Pain was born on July 9th in the year 1984 at Varanasi, India.
The Indian Journal of Pain (called as ‘Indpain’ at inception) was published in the year 1985 with Dr. Sudarshan Yajnik as the first editor. Initially the journal was being published twice a year, but now with the increasing number of contributors it has been made three times a year. It is being published on par with International standards. ISSP is committed for education and creating awareness about pain and its management. The society started its own website in 2005 and the website provides organizational details of the society and has interactive programmes (www.issp-pain.org).
Various fellowship programmes were started in 2008 by ISSP to encourage the members to acquire new knowledge and skill. To promote the various branches in Pain Medicine, we have formed special interest groups (SIG). The SIG has specific academic and business sessions oriented towards laying guidelines and research in the sub-speciality practice.
ISSP is promoting research activities on a wider level. We have established certain awards and medals to activate the research work as well as organizational activities. We are also in the process of publishing ‘monographs’ on clinical practice in pain and ‘Guidelines’ in pain practice and of course many more to come. Recently INDIAN ACADEMY OF PAIN (IAP) has been launched to provide international training to the Indian doctors at various accredited institutes across India.
We need to conquer many hurdles and accomplish many things; we believe in the statement “When the going gets tough, the tough gets going”. ISSP brings together scientists, clinicians, healthcare providers, and policymakers to stimulate and support the study of pain and to translate that knowledge into improved pain relief across India.