The ICRC in collaboration with Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) organized the second edition of National Conference on Sustainable Provision of Assistive Technology (NConSPAT) on 8th and 9th November 2024 at the ICMR Headquarters in New Delhi. The NConSPAT-24 carried forward the agenda from last conference and built upon the recommendations of NConSPAT-23.
The conference agenda comprised of ten panel discussions covering key areas identified in previous NConSPAT edition and expanding on new priorities. The key thematic domains of Disability, Rehabilitation, Assistive Technology, and Accessibility were further supplemented by focus on multisectoral collaboration and sustainable models. Each domain included actionable initiatives and specific questions for panellists to address during the sessions. These questions cover the current status, objectives, existing gaps, strategies to bridge those gaps, and short, mid, and long-term solutions and actions needed within specified timelines.
This second edition facilitated exchange of knowledge and expertise, best practices, and experience among high-level stakeholders from the ministries, international organizations, national institutions, academia, research institutions, start-ups, NGOs and others who were part of a series of panel discussions.
India has a growing population with functional impairments that demand access to quality assistive products. With initiatives like Ayushman Bharat and National List of Essential Assistive Products (NLEAP), efforts are being made to ensure equitable access through such government schemes. However, the challenges of affordability, quality control, and sustainable distribution systems remain. NConSPAT 24 addressed these issues and proposed solutions for the next phase of AT provision in India.
The overarching aim has been to work towards ensuring universal access to high-quality, safe, and affordable assistive technology in India, enabling individuals with functional impairments to lead independent and empowered lives. The conference highlighted the significance of establishing a sustainable ecosystem for AT that bridges the gap between demand and supply, driven by innovation, inclusivity, and inter-sectoral collaboration.
ICMR is the apex body in India for biomedical research under Ministry of Health and Family Welfare. Recently it has received the prestigious United Nations Inter-Agency Task Force on the Prevention and Control of Non-communicable Diseases (NCDs) Award for 2024. The award acknowledges ICMR’s significant contribution to the field of AT. This association with ICMR has helped to strengthen ICRC’s position in rehabilitation sector and contribute to developing systems for sustainable provision of AT.
NConSPAT-24 underscored the importance of innovation, inclusivity, and collaboration in creating sustainable AT systems. By addressing systemic challenges and aligning with government initiatives, it took meaningful steps toward ensuring universal access to assistive technology, empowering individuals with disabilities to lead independent lives.