The *Kalam Institute of Health Technology (KIHT), Visakhapatnam, in collaboration with the **Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), **World Health Organization (WHO), **Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), and the **International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), successfully organized the **AssisTech Innovation Summit 2025* at *Hotel Pride Plaza, Aerocity, New Delhi, on **April 26-27, 2025*.

The summit brought together experts, innovators, policymakers, and stakeholders to discuss advancements in *assistive technology* and its transformative potential in healthcare, sports, and rehabilitation.

Panel Discussion: “Role of Assistive Technology in Para Sports in India”
One of the key sessions featured a *panel discussion* on the *Role of Assistive Technology in Para Sports in India, where **Mr. Ashok Bedi, **Chairperson of the Boccia Sports Federation of India (BSFI), shared his insights on the **growth of Boccia* and its *positive impact on players and their families*.

Other distinguished panelists included:
* Dr. Ravi Gupta*, Senior Consultant, Sports Medicine, Paras Hospital, Panchkula
* Dr. Harleen Uppal Dua*, Senior Faculty, Sports Injuries Centre, Safdarjung Hospital & Vardhman Mahavir Medical College, New Delhi

The session was *moderated by Dr. Ravinder Singh, Senior Scientist, ICMR, and highlighted the need for **greater accessibility, innovation, and policy support* in assistive technologies for para-athletes.

Key Recommendation: Formation of an Inter-Ministerial Group
A major outcome of the discussion was the recommendation to establish an *inter-ministerial group* comprising representatives from:
– Ministry of Health & Family Welfare (MoHFW)*
– Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment (MoSJE)*
– Ministry of Science & Technology (MoS&T)*
– Ministry of Youth Affairs & Sports (MoYA&S)*
– Ministry of Labour*
– Ministry of Education*
– Drugs Controller General of India (DCGI)*
– Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS)*

This group would work towards *expediting approvals for assistive technology innovations*, ensuring faster adoption and implementation to benefit athletes and individuals with disabilities.

The *AssisTech Innovation Summit 2025* served as a pivotal platform for fostering collaboration among *government bodies, researchers, industry leaders, and disability advocates, driving forward the mission of **inclusive and accessible technology for all*.