My Story:

My name is Milan & I've been a chronic pain patient for almost 5yrs.

My problem is that I have a CYP2D6 liver enzyme deficiency which is a genetic condition that does not allow me to process nor metabolise Panadol, Nurofen nor Codeine and tramadol based pain medications.

https://www.pharmacytimes.com/view/2008-07-8624 

Therefore, I need to rely on Pain Specialists & GPs to prescribe me oxycodone for my chronic pain because other milder & potentially non-addictive medications do not work on me or my body.

Due to the current laws & policies that Australia (Federal MInister for Health, Medicare & PBS) have in place currently, chronic pain patients like myself & thousands of others, have to struggle with fighting red-tape & bureaucracy in order to receive the correct treatment and medication.

I've been made to feel like a junkie & a liar & even my sanity has been questioned & proven by both psychologists & psychiatrists that I am mentally stable & have a genuine physical pain issue which was only diagnosed in January 2024 for which I am now receiving the correct treatment for.

I am appealing to the public to assist me by signing this petition to ask the Government to make amendments to the laws or to create a new by-law to make an exceptions or exemptions in prescribing laws for people like myself & many other chronic health patients with other non-physically or even physically apparent health conditions requiring proper pain management that patients need in order to improve their quality of life.

Thank you for helping me in my cause as it will not only benefit myself, but also many other thousands of chronic pain patients.

General Story Below:

I am one of many Australians suffering from chronic pain. For the past three years, I have been battling a debilitating abdominal issue. Instead of receiving the help and support I desperately need, I have been accused of "drug seeking" and "lying". This is not just my story – it's a narrative shared by countless others across our country.

The current regulations on painkillers are increasingly stringent, causing chaos for chronic pain patients not only in Australia but also around the world. The World Health Organization estimates that tens of millions of people worldwide suffer from chronic pain (WHO, 2018). Yet, due to restrictive policies on opioid prescriptions designed to combat misuse and addiction, many individuals with legitimate medical needs are left without adequate treatment.

In Australia alone, about 3.24 million people live with chronic pain (Painaustralia.org.au), yet they face increasing difficulties accessing effective medication due to tightening restrictions. This has led to an alarming rise in untreated or under-treated cases which significantly impact quality of life.

While we acknowledge the importance of preventing drug misuse and addiction, it is equally crucial that those who genuinely require these medications for their health conditions should not be stigmatized or denied access.

We call upon Australian health authorities to review and reform current regulations on prescription painkillers. We urge them to strike a balance between preventing drug misuse while ensuring those living with chronic pain can access necessary treatments without fear or stigma.

Please sign this petition if you believe in fair access to healthcare and empathize with the plight faced by those living with chronic pain every day.