ICMR hosts NConSPAT 2024 to harness assistive technology for individuals with functional impairments

New Delhi:  The Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) successfully hosted the National Conference on Sustainable Provision of Assistive Technology (NConSPAT 24), marking a transformative step in India’s mission to ensure equitable access to assistive technology (AT) for individuals with functional impairments.

NConSPAT 24 served as a crucial platform to evaluate progress, strategize future actions, and foster multi-stakeholder involvement, including government bodies, non-profit organizations, academia, and industry leaders. Despite the advancements made through initiatives like Ayushman Bharat and the National List of Essential Assistive Products (NLEAP), significant challenges remain in affordability, quality control, and sustainable distribution of assistive technology.

The conference addressed these issues through ten comprehensive panel discussions, which focused on strengthening rehabilitation in health systems, improving access to AT, ensuring product safety and affordability, and fostering international cooperation. The event emphasized the need for customization in assistive products, highlighting that a ‘one-size-fits-all’ approach is inadequate. Instead, products must be tailored to individual needs to ensure they are user-friendly and effective. This approach not only enhances user satisfaction but also drives innovation and quality in the sector.

Dr. Ashoo Grover, Senior Deputy Director General, Scientist G & Head Delivery Research at ICMR, New Delhi highlighted the importance of customization and standards in assistive technology, stating, “The diverse panellists at NConSPAT 24, representing various sectors from academia to private industry, have highlighted a crucial insight: customization is key. As we develop assistive products, it is imperative that they are tailored to meet individual needs, ensuring they are user-friendly and effective. This means moving away from a ‘one-size-fits-all’ approach and embracing customization as a standard practice. Additionally, the establishment of robust standards and mechanisms is essential to ensure that all products meet the necessary specifications for safety and usability. With India’s vast market potential, this approach not only enhances user satisfaction but also drives innovation and quality in the sector.”

Dr Gowri Nambiar Sengupta, Deputy Director General (Public Health) & Director CHEB (Central Health Education Bureau), Directorate General of Health Services, Ministry of Health & Family Welfare, Govt., of India, stressed the importance of holistic integration, saying, “Our focus must be on the holistic integration of rehabilitation services within the healthcare framework. This means moving beyond traditional models and embracing innovative approaches that are inclusive and comprehensive. By doing so, we ensure that no individual is left behind, and everyone has the opportunity to contribute to and benefit from societal advancements. Such integration is a key to achieving our vision of a developed and inclusive India by 2047.”

Dr. Ravinder Singh, Senior Scientist, Division of Non-Communicable Diseases, ICMR, New Delhi, emphasized the critical role of rehabilitation in health systems, stating, “Integrating rehabilitation into our health systems is not just about providing support; it’s about fundamentally changing the way we view and treat individuals with various health conditions and functional impairments. Health systems need to work on a complete healthcare continuum of prevention, promotion, management, rehabilitation, assistive care, and palliative care. By strengthening these systems, we ensure that every person, regardless of their impairment, can access the care and support they need to lead empowered, independent lives. This integration is essential for building a truly inclusive society.”