National Standards Developed for Essential Assistive Products to Boost Quality and Accessibility in India

The Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), in collaboration with the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS), has established comprehensive national standards for 21 essential assistive products listed under the National List of Essential Assistive Products (NLEAP). This milestone initiative, announced in November 2025, aims to standardize the quality, safety, and performance of assistive technologies designed to improve the lives of individuals with functional impairments and older adults across India.

Addressing the Need for Standardized Assistive Technologies

Assistive products — tools and devices that aid mobility, communication, and daily functioning — play a crucial role in enhancing independence and quality of life for people living with disabilities or age-related challenges. Despite their importance, the absence of unified standards has historically resulted in inconsistent product quality, limited accessibility, and affordability barriers.

Recognizing this gap, the ICMR’s Centre for Advanced Research & Excellence in Disability and Assistive Technology (CARE-DAT) partnered with BIS to develop a rigorous set of national benchmarks that align with global standards, such as those set by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) and the World Health Organization’s Priority Assistive Products List (WHO-APL). This harmonization ensures Indian-manufactured and imported assistive products meet internationally recognized quality and safety criteria.​

Key Features of the New National Standards

The newly established standards cover 21 essential products on the NLEAP, including mobility aids, vision and hearing devices, communication tools, and rehabilitation equipment. The guidelines address design, manufacturing processes, clinical validation, testing protocols, servicing, and user support.

Standardization under the ICMR-BIS framework promotes:

• Consistent product quality and durability

• Enhanced user safety and efficacy assurance

• Equitable access by facilitating large-scale, cost-effective procurement

• Increased confidence among clinicians and policymakers for product inclusion in health programs and insurance schemes

Importantly, these standards foster an ecosystem that supports regulatory approval processes and encourages innovation and indigenous manufacturing. By aligning with global norms, local manufacturers and startups can develop competitively viable assistive products tailored to domestic needs, expanding the availability of affordable, high-quality options.​

Expert Perspectives on the Impact

Dr. Rajiv Kumar Jain, a leading expert in assistive technology and member of the ICMR expert committee, highlighted the significance of this development:
“The establishment of these national standards is a transformative step for India’s assistive technology landscape. It not only safeguards user well-being by ensuring product safety and reliability but also catalyzes innovation and manufacturing capacity within the country. This marks substantial progress toward India’s vision of ‘Access to Assistive Technology for All.'”​

Dr. Meera Singh, a rehabilitation specialist not involved in the standard-setting process, commended the move:
“Uniform standards enable clinicians to recommend assistive devices with confidence, knowing they meet validated performance criteria. Patients stand to benefit immensely from improved device availability and quality assurance, which can greatly impact their independence and day-to-day functioning.”

Context and Public Health Implications

India’s population includes over 26 million individuals with disabilities according to the 2011 Census, a figure that is likely higher given underreporting and aging demographics. Assistive technologies are integral to public health efforts aimed at improving functional independence, reducing caregiving burdens, and enhancing social participation for these populations.

By instituting nationally recognized standards, the government can better manage procurement and distribution of assistive products through public health programs, insurance coverage, and welfare schemes, ensuring cost-effectiveness and broader access. This is particularly crucial for rural and underserved areas, where availability of quality assistive devices has been limited.​

Potential Limitations and Challenges

While the standardization framework marks a significant advance, challenges remain. Ensuring the timely adoption and enforcement of these standards across diverse manufacturers and suppliers will require sustained regulatory oversight. Additionally, addressing supply chain and affordability issues, especially for economically disadvantaged groups, will be critical to achieving truly equitable access.

Ongoing collaboration between policymakers, manufacturers, healthcare providers, and end-users will be essential to refine standards, innovate product design, and expand outreach efforts effectively.

Practical Advice for Readers

For individuals who or whose family members use assistive devices, this initiative means that products meeting these national standards will be safer, more reliable, and clinically validated. When purchasing or procuring assistive products, consumers and healthcare providers should look for certifications indicating compliance with the ICMR-BIS standards, signaling adherence to recognized quality benchmarks.

Conclusion

The development of national standards for essential assistive products by ICMR and BIS represents a landmark stride in India’s health technology and disability inclusion agenda. It underscores the commitment to ensuring high-quality, affordable assistive technology access that can empower millions to live with greater autonomy and dignity.

Medical Disclaimer

This article is for informational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. Always consult with qualified healthcare professionals before making any health-related decisions or changes to your treatment plan. The information presented here is based on current research and expert opinions, which may evolve as new evidence emerges.

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