Though braille doesn't make any sense to me, yet I was surprised to see a malaria medicine packat having braille markings.
On 10/24/15, Mohit Gupta <[email protected]> wrote: > hi avinash > is there any legislation regarding soft copy of medical record like > block letters? > > On 10/23/15, amritpal singh <[email protected]> wrote: >> A few days ago, I saw the name of the medicine written on a packet/carton >> in >> uncontracted Braille which was a pleasant surprise for me. >> >> -----Original Message----- >> From: AccessIndia [mailto:[email protected]] On >> Behalf >> Of avinash shahi >> Sent: 23 October 2015 11:57 >> To: AccessIndia: a list for discussing accessibility and issues concerning >> the disabled. >> Subject: Re: [AI] Attention: Special Read: Farma Companies–packaging >> innovations:braille labelling for the visually impaired >> >> Some of the hospitals have begun providing soft copies of all details >> about tests/and prescribed medication. My mother is being treated at >> Tata Memorial Cancer Hospital Mumbai and we were given CD containing >> all details. But yes if not Braille labeling we should have info in >> soft copies. >> On 10/23/15, Asudani, Rajesh <[email protected]> wrote: >>> forget braille on packaging. >>> >>> Here, doctors are not writing prescription in block letters as mandated >>> lately by MCA. >>> No medical records are given in soft copy either. >>> >>> >>> >>> सादर / With thanks & Regards >>> राजेश आसुदानी Rajesh Asudani >>> सहायक महाप्रबन्धक AGM >>> बाजार आसूचना ईकाई MIU >>> भारतीय रिजर्व बैंक Reserve Bank of India >>> नागपुर Nagpur >>> >>> 0712 2806846 >>> >>> President >>> VIBEWA >>> Co-Moderator >>> VIB-India >>> >>> A-pilll = Action coupled with Positivity, Interest, Love, Logic and >>> laughter. >>> >>> >>> -----Original Message----- >>> From: AccessIndia [mailto:[email protected]] On >>> Behalf >>> Of avinash shahi >>> Sent: Friday, October 23, 2015 11:38 AM >>> To: accessindia; jnuvision; sayeverything >>> Cc: mukesh.harvard >>> Subject: [AI] Attention: Special Read: Farma Companies–packaging >>> innovations:braille labelling for the visually impaired >>> >>> I feel this is the real accessibility concern of blind people? I wish >>> our disability advocates take this up straightaway. The RPD Bill is >>> still amended and we have a great chance to see what the European >>> Union formulated in 2005. Please forward this cover story to the >>> officials of the department of Disability Affairs and lobby for the >>> braille labeling. >>> http://www.financialexpress.com/article/pharma/cover-story/packaging-with-a-purpose/153949/ >>> >>> >>> Globally, pharma companies are incorporating new generation packaging >>> innovations like braille labelling for the visually impaired and smart >>> blister packs for elderly patients. When will the trend catch on in >>> India? By Usha Sharma >>> >>> Though pharmaceutical companies in India are always on the lookout for >>> innovative packaging of medicines in terms of convenience and patient >>> friendliness, they are still lagging behind when catering to certain >>> segment like the visually impaired. The elderly segment is also >>> neglected when it comes to senior citizen-friendly packaging. >>> >>> Globally, several pharma companies have introduced advanced technology >>> in their blister packaging which helps in monitoring the use of >>> medication and patient compliance as well. There have been innovations >>> in the pharma blister packaging where ‘smart’ blister packs >>> incorporate moving colour advertisements with sound for partially >>> sighted patients. >>> >>> 20151031ep02 >>> Ajit Kanetkar >>> If the world is adopting newer packaging methods and technologies, why >>> are Indian pharma companies lagging behind? Is the visually impaired >>> population too small to be a significant market in India? This is not >>> so. Ajit Kanetkar, Head – Technical Cell, ACG TechnoVersity informs, >>> “As per available statistics, India accounts for a staggering 20 per >>> cent of the world’s blind population, which is approximately 7.8 >>> million. The visually impaired population, globally, is 285 million. >>> Of these, 39 million are blind and 246 million have weak vision. >>> Nearly 90 per cent of the visually impaired population lives in >>> developing countries.” >>> >>> No legislation = no initiative >>> >>> The European Union (EU) issued a directive in 2005 for pharma and >>> packaging companies realising the urgent need for braille script on >>> medicine packs for visually impaired people. The legislation (Article >>> 56 (a) of council directive 2001/83/EC) requires that the product >>> name, strength, and dosage appear in braille script on all pharma >>> packaging. >>> >>> 20151031ep05 >>> >>> Kanetkar says, “The EU regulation has been the guiding factor for >>> pharma companies to introduce braille for any medical product for >>> human use. The EU directive defines this ‘as any substance or >>> combination of substances presented as having properties for treating >>> or preventing disease in human beings.’ This regulation has since led >>> the way for other countries who are quickly following suit. All EU >>> legislation relating to pharma products is covered under the EE-A >>> Agreement and so the EEA areas (Iceland, Liechtenstein and Norway) >>> have also implemented this directive. Even countries like Brazil, the >>> US and Canada have implemented a mandate for braille labelling on all >>> pharma packaging. The export markets like the EU and North America >>> have braille-compliant pharma packaging, in line with the EU mandate >>> (2005) and Can-Am Braille (2009).” >>> >>> Though the EU directive for pharma packaging mandates the use of >>> braille script and many countries have already implemented it, pharma >>> companies in India have not followed suit. >>> >>> 20151031ep03 >>> Chakravarthi AVPS >>> Pointing out the key reason, Chakravarthi AVPS, Chief Executive >>> Officer, Managing Director, Ecobliss India and Governing Board Member, >>> Indian Institute of Packaging and Asian Packaging Federation stresses, >>> “There is no legislation in India that braille has to be incorporated >>> on the pharma packs. Obviously, companies see no big advantage and >>> they are not pushing for it. It’s no wonder braille implementation >>> takes a back seat in India in the absence of a legislation.” >>> >>> Kanetkar further says, “There are very few pharma companies that are >>> looking at adopting this technology. Braille on pharma packaging is >>> not a government mandate in India. The Indian government is taking >>> many gradual steps towards introducing braille script on pharma >>> packaging through government and non-government bodies. In India very >>> few blind people can actually read braille. But since the braille >>> script on pharma packaging is not a mandate in India, the technology >>> advancement as well as education of the visually impaired in braille >>> in this sector has been minimal.” >>> >>> A pricey option >>> >>> 20151031ep04 >>> MK Banerjee >>> Besides lack of regulations, cost also plays an important role. >>> Replying to a query raised on whether Indian companies are running far >>> behind in adopting advanced pharma packaging technologies, MK >>> Banerjee, Director, C&I (Global), Essel Propack apprises, “I believe >>> Indian companies are aware of the technology gap and new technological >>> requirements to produce new generation pharma packaging material. >>> However, drug ‘price control’ regulations are hampering investments in >>> new plant and machinery to produce advanced pharma packaging material. >>> Cost of new technology has to be plugged-in to fall within ‘price >>> control’ formula.” >>> >>> Since, there are limited pharma companies practicing in India, it also >>> requires updated technical assistance. Kanetkar says, “Challenges for >>> braille or pharma packaging are three-fold. Firstly, there is an >>> additional cost in upgrading the packaging machinery and be braille >>> compliant. Secondly, braille dots need to be high enough to be easily >>> read, but not too high that it perforates the packaging. The >>> manufacturer must ensure that braille dots are not malformed or >>> missing, while ensuring accurate spacing. And lastly, quality control >>> is extremely critical in braille pharma packaging, for one misplaced >>> dot could lead to costly lawsuits, high product recalls and tarnish >>> the brand image.” >>> >>> Braille printing methods >>> >>> While informing about current printing practices against the braille >>> script requirements, Banerjee says, “In order to print braille script >>> (user instructions) print machinery has to be modified with in-line >>> screen print units so that higher deposition of ink or varnish is >>> possible. Most of the primary and secondary packaging for pharma >>> products are printed with either rotogravure or offset printing >>> technology. Both these print technologies cannot deposit higher >>> grammage of ink and varnish that are required to create braille dots.” >>> >>> Kanetkar suggests, “Marburg medium should be used as the preferred >>> braille font for pharma packaging, as recommended by the European >>> Commission and other agencies worldwide. Also, specifying dot >>> diameter, dot spacing, character and line spacing makes it easier for >>> manufacturers of vision inspection systems to develop readers that >>> automatically interpret the dots. The Indian government can set a >>> global example by leading the introduction of expiry dates in braille, >>> something that is not mandated anywhere else in the world.” >>> >>> Additionally speaking about the implementation of braille on pharma >>> packs in India, he says, “Although the braille script technology is >>> gaining widespread usage in developed countries, it still remains to >>> be seen how it will develop in a highly vision-impaired population >>> country like India. We also have to wait for some mandate for braille >>> on pharma packaging. Once there is a directive from the government, >>> the technology will develop further, making it easily accessible and >>> cost effective. If the government is able to put in place, some >>> regulations for implementation followed by education of the visually >>> impaired in the braille script through multiple agencies, government >>> and NGOs, then this situation may become the necessity that will drive >>> the implementation.” >>> >>> Looking beyond >>> >>> With the United Nations designating October 1 as ‘International Day of >>> Older Persons’, it is apparent that global concerns for a rapidly >>> ageing population are only set to increase. >>> >>> Indian pharma manufacturers also need to look into developing >>> solutions for the geriatric population. In the last two to three >>> decades, life expectancy cycle in India has been increasing which >>> means the graph of the elderly population will certainly move upwards. >>> So are we ready to tap this market? >>> >>> Chakravarthi says, “India will see a rise in elderly population. But >>> if one looks into the statistics, the number is far less than Europe >>> and other developed countries. However, we need to seriously give a >>> thought on compliance packs, and packs which are very user friendly. >>> One has to really think of how effectively dose packs can be used by >>> elders. We also need to focus on self administered drugs.” >>> >>> Essel Propack is one of the companies which is an early mover when it >>> come to developing senior friendly products. Banerjee informs, “As we >>> have been learning from the West and also Far Eastern countries, to >>> cater to the demand of vast and growing elderly population, packaging >>> designs have to be ‘senior citizen friendly’ so that one can open >>> and/or dispense the unit dose conveniently by themselves. We have >>> developed ‘easy squeeze’ senior citizen friendly pharma tubes. We also >>> have patented technology for ‘pill dispenser’ that facilitates the >>> senior citizen dispensing of individual pill simply by tilting >>> slightly downward and shaking the container. Likewise, we have >>> patented as dispenser for controlling (prescribed) dosage of liquid >>> drugs (syrup). These basic innovations help senior citizens greatly >>> and the inventors earn their blessings anonymously.” >>> >>> It may take a long time to bring global technologies to the India >>> market. However, our manufacturers can identify areas where >>> alternative methods can be used to cater to the needs of each section >>> of society. This could act as a differentiator as well as open up new >>> market segments. >>> >>> [email protected] >>> >>> -- >>> Avinash Shahi >>> Doctoral student at Centre for Law and Governance JNU >>> >>> >>> >>> Register at the dedicated AccessIndia list for discussing accessibility >>> of >>> mobile phones / Tabs on: >>> http://mail.accessindia.org.in/mailman/listinfo/mobile.accessindia_accessindia.org.in >>> >>> >>> Search for old postings at: >>> http://www.mail-archive.com/[email protected]/ >>> >>> To unsubscribe send a message to >>> [email protected] >>> with the subject unsubscribe. >>> >>> To change your subscription to digest mode or make any other changes, >>> please >>> visit the list home page at >>> http://accessindia.org.in/mailman/listinfo/accessindia_accessindia.org.in >>> >>> >>> Disclaimer: >>> 1. Contents of the mails, factual, or otherwise, reflect the thinking of >>> the >>> person sending the mail and AI in no way relates itself to its veracity; >>> >>> 2. 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Contents of the mails, factual, or otherwise, reflect the thinking of >>> the >>> person sending the mail and AI in no way relates itself to its veracity; >>> >>> 2. AI cannot be held liable for any commission/omission based on the >>> mails >>> sent through this mailing list.. >>> >> >> >> -- >> Avinash Shahi >> Doctoral student at Centre for Law and Governance JNU >> >> >> >> Register at the dedicated AccessIndia list for discussing accessibility of >> mobile phones / Tabs on: >> http://mail.accessindia.org.in/mailman/listinfo/mobile.accessindia_accessindia.org.in >> >> >> Search for old postings at: >> http://www.mail-archive.com/[email protected]/ >> >> To unsubscribe send a message to >> [email protected] >> with the subject unsubscribe. >> >> To change your subscription to digest mode or make any other changes, >> please >> visit the list home page at >> http://accessindia.org.in/mailman/listinfo/accessindia_accessindia.org.in >> >> >> Disclaimer: >> 1. Contents of the mails, factual, or otherwise, reflect the thinking of >> the >> person sending the mail and AI in no way relates itself to its veracity; >> >> 2. AI cannot be held liable for any commission/omission based on the mails >> sent through this mailing list.. >> >> >> >> >> Register at the dedicated AccessIndia list for discussing accessibility of >> mobile phones / Tabs on: >> http://mail.accessindia.org.in/mailman/listinfo/mobile.accessindia_accessindia.org.in >> >> >> Search for old postings at: >> http://www.mail-archive.com/[email protected]/ >> >> To unsubscribe send a message to >> [email protected] >> with the subject unsubscribe. >> >> To change your subscription to digest mode or make any other changes, >> please >> visit the list home page at >> http://accessindia.org.in/mailman/listinfo/accessindia_accessindia.org.in >> >> >> Disclaimer: >> 1. Contents of the mails, factual, or otherwise, reflect the thinking of >> the >> person sending the mail and AI in no way relates itself to its veracity; >> >> 2. AI cannot be held liable for any commission/omission based on the mails >> sent through this mailing list.. >> > > > -- > Thanks and Regards, > Mohit Gupta. > Rajasthan. > > > > Register at the dedicated AccessIndia list for discussing accessibility of > mobile phones / Tabs on: > http://mail.accessindia.org.in/mailman/listinfo/mobile.accessindia_accessindia.org.in > > > Search for old postings at: > http://www.mail-archive.com/[email protected]/ > > To unsubscribe send a message to > [email protected] > with the subject unsubscribe. > > To change your subscription to digest mode or make any other changes, please > visit the list home page at > http://accessindia.org.in/mailman/listinfo/accessindia_accessindia.org.in > > > Disclaimer: > 1. Contents of the mails, factual, or otherwise, reflect the thinking of the > person sending the mail and AI in no way relates itself to its veracity; > > 2. AI cannot be held liable for any commission/omission based on the mails > sent through this mailing list.. > -- Ajay Minocha Mob : +91-9584076767 E mail : [email protected] [email protected] Skype: ajayminocha2 Register at the dedicated AccessIndia list for discussing accessibility of mobile phones / Tabs on: http://mail.accessindia.org.in/mailman/listinfo/mobile.accessindia_accessindia.org.in Search for old postings at: http://www.mail-archive.com/[email protected]/ To unsubscribe send a message to [email protected] with the subject unsubscribe. To change your subscription to digest mode or make any other changes, please visit the list home page at http://accessindia.org.in/mailman/listinfo/accessindia_accessindia.org.in Disclaimer: 1. Contents of the mails, factual, or otherwise, reflect the thinking of the person sending the mail and AI in no way relates itself to its veracity; 2. AI cannot be held liable for any commission/omission based on the mails sent through this mailing list..
