Bali (Indonesia) - Significant global disparities in the availability of controlled medicines leave millions to endure considerable hardship without relief for acute or chronic, and moderate to severe pain. Opioids, such as morphine, are recognized as the basic requirement for the provision of palliative care. It is therefore essential that adequate access and availability is ensured, or millions will be left behind in pain and suffering.
From 29 November – 1 December 2023, UNODC delivered a capacity building training workshop on this important subject over three days in Badung, Bali. The training provided both an overview of the impediments to access and availability and potential solutions, alongside strategies for effective implementation and enforcement. A particular focus was placed on capacity building to ensure sustainable progress.
The diverse group of participants included representatives from leading palliative care hospitals, government agencies, National Narcotic Board members, Indonesian Food and Drugs Authorities, Clinical Pharmacists from the University of Indonesia and University Gajah Mada, among others. The sessions were supported by UNODC, WHO, and UNODC Programme Office in Indonesia (POIDN) representatives.
Valuable insights were shared among stakeholders and engaging discussions were held on the challenges and opportunities of using controlled medicines in palliative care. UNODC offered the unique perspective of a global overview and referenced the International Narcotics Control Board’s 2023 data which highlights the disparities in access. Furthermore, colleagues from the World Health Organization emphasised the critical medical purpose of controlled substances through their classification as essential in palliative care. UNODC also brought to attention the multifaceted nature of the challenges facing access and availability, and the prominent role of controlled medicines outside of palliative care.
The training served as a highly successful and enriching event, fostering engaging discussion and partnerships to promote the use of controlled medicines in palliative care in Indonesia
