The government on Friday said that six new Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) for medical assistive technologies, developed under the NLEAP (National List of Essential Assistive Products) initiative by the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), aim to guide policymakers, healthcare providers, and stakeholders in providing assistive products and promoting the development of such technologies across the country.
Standards for ‘elbow crutches’ specify requirements and test methods, including handgrip and tip features, along with safety, ergonomics, performance, and manufacturer information such as marking and labelling.
New standards for ‘walking sticks’ cover requirements related to material, shape, dimensions, workmanship, finish, and performance, including those made of wood, cane, aluminium, plastic, and rubber.
The Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution stated that these are indigenous standards developed in consultation with technical experts from Indian industry.
Additionally, the standards for walking sticks also outline specifications for models with three or more legs, including handle and tip requirements, along with safety, ergonomics, performance, marking, and labelling.
Standards for ‘Accessible Design’ describe the information that tactile guide maps should include and how they should be designed and displayed. These maps assist visually impaired individuals in navigating buildings such as public spaces, transport areas, and parks safely and independently.
Another Accessible Design standard sets requirements for braille on signage, equipment, and appliances, including dimensional parameters, material characteristics, and practical implementation guidelines.
The ‘portable ramps’ standard outlines requirements for ramps used by wheelchair users and others with mobility aids, including those pushing strollers or carts, to improve accessibility to buildings, steps, and transport systems.
This standard applies to portable ramps used by individuals with mobility challenges, including older adults and children, with or without caregiver assistance, to enhance ease of movement across various environments such as homes, workplaces, and community spaces.
The statement noted the growing need for standards in assistive products to improve quality of life and independence for individuals with functional impairments. Aligning these standards with global practices will ensure that Indian manufacturers meet international quality benchmarks and can access export opportunities.
With Inputs From IANS
