In Santiago de los Caballeros, Dr. Doris Sánchez headed the First International Conference on Palliative Care and Interventional Management of Chronic Pain. This event brought together national and international experts to elevate care for patients with serious conditions. The initiative aims to integrate strategies that alleviate suffering in the Dominican Republic, where access to these services still faces limitations.
Importance of managing chronic pain in complex patients
Managing chronic pain focuses on interventionist techniques that reduce persistent suffering caused by cancer, neurological diseases, or trauma. According to data from the World Health Organization, more than 60% of oncological patients in Latin America lack adequate relief. In the DR, this conference promotes standardized protocols to improve quality of life, combining medication, physical therapy, and psychological support.
Strength of palliative care in the Dominican Republic’s health system
Palliative care not only treats pain but also addresses emotional and family aspects. Dr. Sánchez, an expert in the field, highlighted the need to train more professionals. Historically, the DR has advanced since 2018 with national policies driven by the Ministry of Public Health, although gaps persist in rural areas. International experts shared experiences from successful programs in Spain and Colombia, adaptable to the local context.
Challenges and future perspectives
Among the challenges, the scarcity of specialists stands out: only a handful of centers offer advanced palliative care. Statistics from the National Cancer Institute indicate that 15,000 Dominicans face chronic pain annually due to neoplasias. The conference concluded with commitments for continuous workshops and public-private alliances, prioritizing the management of chronic pain as a health priority.
This initiative marks a milestone in the Dominican Republic’s health agenda. Dr. Sánchez emphasized that strengthening palliative care and chronic pain management will save lives by humanizing terminal care. Local professionals are already applying what they learned in hospitals in Santiago and Santo Domingo.
