The Aryavarth Express
Agency(New Delhi): At the recent 8th National Health Writers and Influencers Convention hosted by AIIMS, discussions emphasized India’s escalating demand for assistive technologies (ATs) to aid approximately 250 million citizens dealing with disabilities, ageing, or chronic illnesses. The focus was on the necessity for research rooted in evidence and collaborative efforts to effectively connect these innovative solutions with their intended recipients.
Dr. R K Srivastava, the former director-general of health services at the Union Health Ministry, highlighted that a significant 18% of the Indian population is in need of assistive care solutions including, but not limited to, glasses, hearing aids, wheelchairs, communication aids, and prosthetics. Dr. Ashoo Grover, a notable figure from the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), mentioned the identification of certain priority ATs for India, with ongoing efforts to develop and provide these domestically. She underscored the importance of research that ensures these innovations reach their end-users effectively, emphasizing collaborative work to make ATs effective, affordable, and accessible.
Dr. Srivastava pointed out the critical role of assistive solutions in enhancing life quality and social inclusion for the elderly, those in long-term hospital care, and individuals with congenital or acquired disabilities. He compared the need for ATs globally, noting a higher demand in developed nations and paralleling the requirement in developing countries, including India, at 18%.
Public health expert Dr. Chandrakant S Pandav shared personal insights on using a wheelchair, urging a shift in societal perceptions towards those dependent on ATs. He called for acknowledgment of the disabled community as integral members of society, highlighting the prevalent issues of acceptance and infrastructure.
Further, Dr. Srivastava appealed to journalists and influencers to leverage their roles in shaping public opinion and influencing policy decisions concerning assistive care. The necessity for society to adopt a more accepting attitude towards individuals using ATs was stressed, along with the imperative for timely, affordable, and high-quality assistive products to be available to everyone in need. The event wrapped up with a plea for increased cooperation among all stakeholders involved in the AT ecosystem, including researchers, policymakers, manufacturers, healthcare providers, and the media, to address this growing demand effectively.