Question : Functioning of ALIMCO

(a) the details of initiatives taken up by the Artificial Limbs Manufacturing Corporation of India (ALIMCO) during the last one year and the current year;
(b) whether any technology transfer agreement has been signed by ALIMCO with any company;
(c) if so, the details thereof and the salient features of the said agreement;
(d) the manner in which ALIMCO is likely to benefit from such agreement ; and
(e) the extent to which ALIMCO will be able to produce and provide cost effective and affordable Prosthetic and Orthotic devices to persons with disabilities after implementation of the said agreement ?

Minister of State for Social Justice and Empowerment
SHRI KRISHAN PAL GURJAR

(a) During the year 2014-15 the Corporation has taken up in-house initiatives for technology up-gradation and developed certain advanced and cost effective Mobility Aids like Motorized (Battery operated) Tricycle & Joy-Stick driven Motorized (Battery operated) Wheelchair and commenced its commercial production and distribution for needy Persons with Disabilities (PwDs). During the current year, the Corporation has developed a Detachable Tricycle which can be packed in a box ensuring safety and economy in transportation.
(b) ALIMCO has signed two agreements on 20.05.2015 with M/s. Ottobock Health Care India Pvt. Ltd. for Technical and Consultancy Service and Transfer of Technology (ToT) for mass manufacturing of new generation prosthetic and orthotic devices for Persons with Disabilities in the country at affordable price. M/s. Motivation India has also agreed for ToTs with ALIMCO for various models of WHO Manual Wheelchairs. Memorandum of Understanding has been signed with M/s Motivation India on 22.04.2015.

(c) The agreement with M/s Ottobock and M/s Motivation will help ALIMCO in up-grading lower limbs prosthetics systems which will benefit lower limb amputees and wheelchair users of the country. The Corporation is in the process of setting up manufacturing units for these products within its premises which will contribute towards the “Make in India” drive, besides producing upgraded lower limb prosthesis and wheel chairs at cost effective prices aimed at free provision to poor and needy PwDs under the Scheme of Assistance to Disabled Persons for Purchase/Fitting of Aids and Appliances (ADIP) administered by the Ministry, subject to fulfilment of eligibility criteria prescribed in the Scheme. Another salient feature is that M/s Ottobock will buy-back 15000 prosthetic kits produced by ALIMCO for commercial sale in India and neighbouring countries, over a period of 5 years.
(d) Technology up-gradation of the products and distribution of the same across the country for the benefit of PwDs besides increased turnover and surplus.
(e) The Corporation will be placed in a better position to offer technologically advanced products at affordable prices to persons with disabilities all over the country.
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