Mobility impairments can occur for a variety of reasons, from sports injuries to diabetic complications to diseases. In almost all cases, they lead to a lower quality of life for the affected individuals, making it difficult for them to participate in everyday activities and thus contributing to their social exclusion. Addressing the needs of these impaired patients is both a medical and a moral imperative. 

Recognizing these concerns, Thane-based health company Pro-Ortho Perfect India Pvt. Ltd. has launched a new line of mobility aids, Humable. Balancing affordability and high quality, these aids include prosthetics, orthotics, and other rehabilitation equipment for the Indian market. At the same time, the company offers a patient assessment system that combines personalized evaluation tools and AI analytics.

Personalized and affordable mobility care

In the Indian context, most mobility aids are imported from other countries. Unfortunately, this means that they tend to be expensive, placing them out of the reach of most middle- and lower-income patients. This is especially noticeable in Tier-2 and Tier-3 cities. The lack of large manufacturers of such aids also means that their supply is never constant, often resulting in long waiting times for patients at medical facilities.

Pro-Ortho Perfect India partners with medical institutions to provide tools that help clinicians diagnose and treat physical impairments before they worsen. This is accomplished at a fraction of the cost of using foreign medical technology. Drawing upon the principles of digital biomechanics and 3D scanning, some of these tools can make precise measurements of important anatomical data such as gait abnormalities, pressure points, and so on when a patient arrives at a consultation. 

Next, taking into account the patient’s lifestyle, condition, and specific requirements, the company’s AI analytics software can support the clinician as they make medical recommendations for treatment. Finally, the company uses advanced manufacturing techniques to design and select the appropriate mobility aids—the Humable line—for the patient.

Supporting patients from Tier-2 cities

With its main office in Thane and regional offices in Pune and Mumbai, Pro-Ortho Perfect India serves the health needs of three urban hubs, including two Tier-2 cities—a demographic in India that has relatively less access to mobility aids. In the last 3 years, the company has helped treat over 10,000 patients, including many with amputations, arthritis, sports injuries, and lifestyle support requirements. 

Not only can its Humable products enable cost savings of 30–50% compared to foreign competitors, but they can also reach the patients who need them within days rather than weeks. As a result, at a qualitative level, these patients experience more autonomy, supporting their mental wellbeing during their recovery or acclimitization processes.

Noting the value of these solutions, the Orthotics and Prosthetics Association of India (OPAI) has awarded the company a Lifetime Achievement Award in Prosthetics and Orthotics. Additionally, Pro-Ortho Perfect India has been recognized by the Rotary Club of Pune and Bharat Vikas Parishad for its contributions to disability management. These public accomplishments have been further supported by its partnerships with leading research bodies such as BITS Pilani, RCB Faridabad, and the ICAR and ICMR.

Scope for future growth

With more investment in capital, Pro-Ortho Perfect India can increase its manufacturing capacity, as well as improving the development of its patient assessment tools, diagnostic interface, and so on. This could be achieved with funding from impact investors, venture funds, or CSR initiatives with compatible goals—or with direct government support. For making its products more accessible to marginalized sections in rural areas, or in other Tier-2/Tier-3 cities, it could benefit from partnerships with NGOs and community health groups. 

Continued support from medical institutions, insurance companies, and government health departments can augment its outreach efforts further. Most importantly, the company seeks inclusion under policy interventions, such as public health schemes, that have clear frameworks in place to maximise impact. Should quality control measures emerge for the production and dissemination of mobility aid, adoption by the public is likely to increase even further. These changes can reduce India’s dependence on foreign medical equipment and bolster the growth of a domestic patient care industry.