I have noted your feedback Bhaiya. Thank you. Whenever I will get an opportunity, I will highlight it.
On Tue, 17 Feb 2026 at 09:37, Mujtaba Merchant <[email protected]> wrote: > Hi Ashutosh, > > > > This is excellent progress. Directly connecting with high-level officials > and providing clear, solution-oriented feedback regarding these barriers is > exactly what leads to tangible improvements. Well done on navigating that > meeting so effectively. > > > > The issue of fake disability certificates is indeed concerning. However, > in a country as vast and diverse as ours, it is a massive logistical > challenge for central institutes to validate the authenticity of every > applicant from remote areas. We have to understand the systemic limitations > while still pushing for more robust verification methods. > > Your discussion about digital documentation really struck a chord with me. > Years ago, one of my business proposals was centered specifically on > digital documentation for hospitals—streamlining records to avoid the very > "bulky file" issue you mentioned. Honestly, if it had taken off, I should > have made my first million by now! Unfortunately, the regulatory and > administrative systems were so complicated to navigate that I eventually > put the idea on the back burner, and it hasn't seen the light of day since. > It’s heartening (and a bit frustrating!) to see it's still such a pressing > need. > > > > Good luck with the event tomorrow. If you get another moment with the > senior officials, perhaps emphasizing a unified digital portal for > disability verification might bridge that gap between the local hospitals > and national institutes. > > > > Looking forward to hearing how the event goes. > > > > *From:* [email protected] <[email protected]> *On > Behalf Of *Ashutosh Singhal > *Sent:* Tuesday, February 17, 2026 12:09 AM > *To:* [email protected]; [email protected]; > [email protected] > *Subject:* [AI] Meeting with AIIMS officers and RND on RP > > > > Glad to share that today I met the Head of Ophthalmology at AIIMS Delhi. > Although the meeting was regarding an assistive devices event, I > highlighted a few important issues so they can be addressed. > I am writing this from memory, so there may be minor inaccuracies. Below > are the issues discussed and his responses: > > 1. Bulky Physical Files & Need for Digital Records > I raised the issue that patient files at AIIMS become very bulky, and for > Persons with Visual Impairments it is extremely difficult to manage them, > especially when we visit alone. I suggested that records should be > available in soft copy, as there is already a policy encouraging digital > documentation. > Response:: He mentioned that a digitization program has been running for > more than three years. He referred to a TATA institute involved in the > process, though I do not recall the full details of his explanation. > > 2. Fake Disability Certificate Issue > I raised concerns about fake disability certificates. > Response:: He acknowledged that the issue exists. Earlier, disability > certificates were issued mainly by large institutes like AIIMS. However, it > was argued that it would be difficult for patients—especially those from > remote areas—to travel to major hospitals. Therefore, district hospitals > were authorized to issue certificates. He stated that some district > hospital doctors may lack proper expertise in disability assessment. > > 3. Alleged Fake Certificates in AIIMS Delhi > I mentioned that similar issues may also occur in AIIMS Delhi. I am aware > of cases where individuals allegedly received 100% disability certificates > despite having around 80, 90%. I suggested that the certification criteria > should be strict, but not so strict that genuine candidates suffer. > Response:: He clarified that such cases may involve temporary disability > certificates. > > 4. Temporary Certificates and Benefits > I responded that even temporary certificate holders appear to receive > facilities. > Response (from him and Ajit Sir): > They stated that temporary certificate holders do not receive all > benefits. For example, they do not get job reservation or concession in > buses and railways. > My observation is that they may still receive certain reasonable > accommodations similar to permanent certificate holders. I request > clarification from group members if my understanding is incorrect. > > 5. RP (RPE65) Treatment Availability > I asked whether RPE65 treatment for Retinitis Pigmentosa is available in > AIIMS or any Indian hospital. > Response:: He said he would arrange a meeting with their Retina expert, > who could provide detailed information. > > 6. Research & Development on Retinitis Pigmentosa > I shared that when I met the Head Ophthalmologist of ICMR and requested > R&D on Retinitis Pigmentosa—since RPE65 treatment costs more than ₹3 crore > and is unaffordable—He informed me that they do not received research > proposals from hospitals. He stated that if proposals are submitted, > funding can be considered. > Response:: He responded positively and said they would send a proposal. > > 7. Lack of Audio Announcement in Lift > I pointed out that one of the four lifts in the building audio > announcement system is not working. > Response:: He instructed his team to write a letter to the electrical > department to address the issue. > > 8. Absence of Tactile Path > I highlighted that tactile paths (yellow guiding tiles) are not available. > Response:: He took the feedback positively. > > As mentioned earlier, this summary is based on memory and may contain > minor inaccuracies. > Tomorrow, 17th February, is the event. I will have another opportunity to > meet him, the Chief of RP Centre, and other senior officials. > If anyone has suggestions for additional improvement points that I should > raise, please let me know at 8076798104. > Ashutosh Singhal > > -- > Disclaimer: > 1. 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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.. Search for old postings at: http://www.mail-archive.com/[email protected]/ --- You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "AccessIndia" group. To unsubscribe from this group and stop receiving emails from it, send an email to [email protected]. To view this discussion visit https://groups.google.com/a/accessindia.org.in/d/msgid/accessindia/CAFL6VgKeKBi2wm-iGjGNnDkXxtrejK0-TDOa7pcnsZmu6CPPrw%40mail.gmail.com.
