As India grapples with accessibility challenges affecting millions, Svayam, a leading accessibility organisation, is gearing up to observe World Accessibility Day on March 27th for the second consecutive year. This initiative aims to drive focused efforts and initiatives to improve accessibility across the nation.
Partnering with the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), Svayam is conducting workshops and training sessions based on the RPwD Act 2016. The focus is on assisting over 600 medical practitioners, students, and nurses in understanding and utilising assistive devices while fostering sensitivity towards individuals with reduced mobility. These interactive sessions are being held at prominent medical colleges in Delhi, including AIIMS, Safdarjung VMCC, and Lady Harding.
Addressing the prevalent challenges hindering access to healthcare facilities, Svayam and ICMR are organising a brainstorming session to discuss essential assistive devices listed in the National List of Essential Assistive Products (NLEAP). This collaboration underscores the transformative benefits of these products in improving the quality of life and societal engagement for individuals with functional impairments.
Additionally, Svayam is partnering with the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) to launch an awareness campaign on accessibility. With outreach to over 90 ICRC partners across India, this joint effort aims to promote inclusivity and drive meaningful change.
Set up in 2021 by Sudhir Mathur, ex-CEO of Cairn India and former CFO of Idea Cellular; Eshaan Singh, a serial entrepreneur & Duke Fuqua MBA, and Adit Mathur, renowened physician, hospital administrator and an IIM-C alumni, MeraDoc says it is building demoractised healthcare solutions for a billion Indians, with a family physician centred practice at its core.
On the ocassion, Sminu Jindal, Founder-Chairperson, Svayam, emphasised the importance of accessibility as a fundamental right for all, stating, “Through this ongoing campaign, we aim to ensure equal opportunities and equitable use of resources for everyone. Together with our partners, we envision a future without barriers.”Dr Ravinder Singh from ICMR echoed this sentiment, emphasising the need to create an accessible and inclusive healthcare environment. He expressed full support for Svayam’s efforts in promoting accessibility in the healthcare sector.
In a collaborative move to raise nationwide awareness, Svayam has joined forces with National Divyangjan Finance and Development Corporation (NDFDC), Paralympic Committee of India (PCI), Differently Abled Cricket Council of India (DCCI), and 20 NGOs across several states to declare March 27th as World Accessibility Day. This collective effort aims to highlight the significance of accessibility and inclusion on a national scale.
