Lightweight wheelchair for Indian conditions from ISIC

New Delhi, June 6 (UNI) Indian Spinal Injuries Centre (ISIC) has developed an advanced wheelchair with special features like easy manoeuvrability and light weight and specially suited for Indian conditions.

The wheelchair, named 'India Wheelchair', was designed by Mr Arun Sondhi, a rehabilitation trainee from Sweden, with the support of the ISIC.

"India wheelchair, because of its light weight and easy manoeuvrability allows patients to perform wheelchair skills that are difficult with other wheelchairs available in the market," Dr H S Chhabra, Chief of Spine Service, ISIC, said.

Available in three sizes -small, medium and large- the wheelchair has detachable wheels and armrests, making it compact and portable.

It has a strong metal frame, washable seat and back rest and sway away footrest.

Being moderately priced at Rs 6,600, this wheelchair will also be within the reach of most Indians with locomotor disabilities, who cannot afford expensive imported wheelchairs priced around Rs 50,000, Dr Chhabra said.

ISCI Chairman Maj H PS Ahluwalia said, for a physically challenged, such built environments as cities can be full of uncertainties and anxieties. "India Wheelchair could come in handy for the disabled to move around conveniently in cities," he added.

A company in Gurgaon has already manufactured 25 wheelchairs for patients at ISIC and plans to go in for mass production.

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