Bridging the Mobility Divide: A Call for a National Prosthetics Mission in India

A new policy paper by Parashar Industries and Kailash Kher Foundation advocates for recognizing prosthetic care as a vital component of public health in India. It recommends a National Prosthetics Mission, integration under Ayushman Bharat, and strengthening local manufacturing to enhance accessibility and economic productivity.

In a bold move towards transforming healthcare in India, a policy paper titled "Fixing the Mobility Divide: A Policy Roadmap for Accessible Prosthetic Care in India" demands the recognition of prosthetic care as a crucial element of public health, social inclusion, and national productivity. Released by Parashar Industries in partnership with the Kailash Kher Foundation, the document underscores the necessity of establishing a National Prosthetics Mission and integrating this care under Ayushman Bharat.

Amputations in India result from road accidents, diabetes, and other causes, yet quality prosthetic services are unaffordable for many. The policy calls for comprehensive reform, noting that prosthetics are not mere medical devices but tools of dignity and socioeconomic participation. It urges the government to treat prosthetic care not as charity but as essential infrastructure for human capital development, in line with the visions of Atmanirbhar Bharat and Viksit Bharat 2047.

Recommendations include launching a National Prosthetics Mission, integrating care into public insurance systems, promoting indigenous manufacturing, and establishing rehabilitation hubs. Figures like Nagender Parashar and Pilot Neeraj Sehrawat emphasize the need for these changes, highlighting the economic and social benefits of a unified approach to prosthetic care.

(With inputs from agencies.)