Professor Romy Parker Develops National Pain Strategy

The framework aims to address widespread pain management challenges across the South African healthcare system.

Updated on Oct. 29, 2026 in Arthritis

Professor Romy Parker Develops National Pain Strategy

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Do you believe your local healthcare system treats chronic pain management as a high priority?

Professor Romy Parker has developed a national pain strategy for South Africa to combat systemic gaps in care. The initiative seeks to identify contributors to improper pain management and offer concrete recommendations for healthcare providers.

Why it matters

Pain is the primary reason individuals seek medical attention and represents a significant burden on the healthcare system. The strategy addresses the reality that pain management is often overlooked as a specific responsibility within medical settings.

Professor Romy Parker brings two decades of research experience to this initiative, following two consecutive terms as president of PainSA. Lower back pain remains the leading cause of disability globally.

The players

Romy Parker

She serves as the director of the pain management unit in the department of anaesthesia and perioperative medicine at the University of Cape Town.

PainSA

This professional society focuses on pain management advocacy and education across South Africa.

University of Cape Town

This major research institution provides the academic foundation for Parker's work in pain management.

Groote Schuur Hospital

This facility hosts the Chronic Pain Management Clinic where Parker provides direct patient care.

International Association for the Study of Pain

This global organisation gathers specialists to advance scientific understanding and treatment of pain conditions.

The details

The strategy maps existing contributors to improper pain treatment and outlines structural changes for the medical sector. It serves as an advocacy tool to ensure pain management is treated as a core professional responsibility rather than an afterthought.

September is designated as Pain Awareness Month.

Health Landscape

This strategy follows the standards and research priorities established by the International Association for the Study of Pain. It marks a shift toward formalised, systemic responsibility for chronic conditions that have historically been fragmented in healthcare.

The strategy intends to improve how patients receive treatment for chronic pain by centralising care responsibility within the medical system. This could lead to more consistent pain management protocols for individuals seeking relief at public and private clinics.

The takeaway

Pain management requires a coordinated structural approach rather than ad-hoc treatment. Patients should advocate for clear care plans when dealing with persistent discomfort.