The Orthotics & Prosthetics Association of India (OPAI), celebrated International Prosthetist and Orthotist Day (IPOD) 2026 at the National Rail Museum, Chanakyapuri, New Delhi. The event brought together senior government officials, policymakers, healthcare professionals, academicians, start-ups and established organizations to discuss the future of rehabilitation, assistive technology and disability inclusion.
Strategic Priorities & Core Milestones
The programme focused on ALIMCO’s institutional transformation, Department’s Purple Dot Initiative, IIT’s contribution to engineering innovation, government schemes, professional recognition and employment opportunities in India and abroad.
Detailing the operational roadmap, shri Praveen Kumar, CMD , ALIMCO highlighted the importance of collaboration and effective implementation of government initiatives to strengthen India’s rehabilitation ecosystem. He also emphasised indigenous manufacturing and affordable assistive technology, stating, “The future of rehabilitation lies in combining technological innovation with affordability and accessibility, ensuring that advanced assistive solutions reach those who need them the most.”
Shri Ashish Thakare, IAS, Member Secretary, RCI, highlighted the Purple Dot Initiative and the importance of professional recognition, quality education, training and standards in rehabilitation services. Dr. M.C. Das, National President, OPAI, emphasised that greater awareness and outreach are essential to ensure that persons with disabilities benefit from various government schemes and welfare programmes.
Leadership Commentary & Official Insights
“The future of rehabilitation lies in combining technological innovation with affordability and accessibility, ensuring that advanced assistive solutions reach those who need them the most.” — Official Spokesperson
Operational Alignment & Broader Impact
Shri Rajesh Das, President, OPAI Delhi Chapter, highlighted the role of the railway sector in accessible and inclusive mobility and stressed the need for stronger domestic and international recruitment policies to expand career opportunities for qualified prosthetists and orthotists.
In terms of implementation context, shri Shambhu Kumar Yadav, Vice President, OPAI Delhi Chapter, emphasised that emerging technologies must move beyond laboratories and reach persons with disabilities at the grassroots level through affordable and accessible solutions.
Dr. Agendra Kumar, Organising Secretary, IPOD 2026 and Secretary, OPAI Delhi Chapter, called for stronger coordination between professionals, government, healthcare institutions and beneficiaries, stating, “Our objective must go beyond providing artificial limbs and assistive devices; it must be
Strategic Outlook & Next Milestones
Administrative bodies and departmental task forces will maintain active oversight across designated implementation cycles, ensuring scheduled deliverables translate into tangible public outcomes.
Reporting and source materials courtesy of Press Information Bureau.
