10-05-2025
ICMR includes Puducherry for its nation-wide study to enhance availability of assistive technologies
The Indian Council of Medical Research has included Puducherry for its nation-wide survey titled 'Assessment of Unmet Needs and Access to Assistive Technologies among the general population through Digital rATA Tool-A Cross sectional study in India.'
The ICMR would carry out the survey in Puducherry in collaboration with the Department of Health and Family Welfare Services and Jawaharlal Institute of Postgraduate Medical Education and Research. The study was aimed to provide crucial insights for the development of evidence-based policies to enhance the availability of assistive technologies and improve the quality of life of individuals in need, an official release here said.
J. Venkatachalam, additional professor, Department of Preventive and Social Medicine, Jipmer would lead the survey team in Puducherry. The other members of the team would include field researchers for undertaking door-to-door visit to gather data. The survey would be done using rATA (Rapid Assistive Technology Assessment) tool in 21 wards of Oulgaret Municipality, the release said.
As part of the collaboration with Puducherry government, a team from ICMR on Friday met the Director of Department of Health V. Ravichandran to discuss the modalities of carrying out the survey. The ANMs and ASHA workers of the respective Public Health Centres in Oulgaret would facilitate data collection and ensure public participation. Residents in the region are also encouraged to actively participate in the survey, the release said.
