Health + Tech | 3D printing in healthcare can change lives

Motor vehicle crashes have been a perennial problem for Jamaica and with the influx of small motorbikes over the last few years, it remains a major concern in every way, including for public health.

Outside of the unfortunate loss of life, many persons suffer life-altering injuries as a result of crashes. Among these injuries, amputations are a devastating reality, leaving survivors not only physically disabled but also facing the challenge of reintegrating into society and dealing with the possibility of reduced income-earning potential.

Prosthetics may play a critical role in reintegration, offering the possibility of mobility, independence, and improved quality of life. However, for many Jamaicans, prosthetics are far too expensive and inaccessible, putting them out of reach for those who need them the most.

There may be a solution to get less costly prosthetics so that more persons can access this life-altering equipment. The traditional method of manufacturing prosthetics is labour-intensive, time-consuming, and costly. The high price is largely driven by the use of expensive materials like carbon fibre and titanium, combined with the skilled labour needed to custom-build each limb. With 3D printing technology, however, the production of prosthetic limbs can become faster, cheaper, and more accessible.

3D printing involves creating objects layer by layer using digital models. This technology has gained global attention very quickly for its ability to rapidly produce custom-designed items at a fraction of the cost of traditional manufacturing processes. It is also more accessible to many persons and can allow for scale in business. Where prosthetics are concerned, 3D printing allows for the creation of limbs that are specifically tailored to each individual’s needs, while reducing production time and costs.

One of the key advantages of 3D printing is the ability to use cheaper materials like thermoplastics, which are not only durable but also lightweight. This reduction in material costs immediately translates into more affordable prosthetic limbs. For Jamaicans who may struggle to afford the thousands of dollars required for traditional prosthetics, this price drop opens the door to life-changing care.

Another benefit of 3D printing is the automation of the production process. Traditional prosthetics require skilled technicians to handcraft each limb, adjusting and fitting components as needed. In contrast, once a digital model is created for a 3D-printed prosthetic, the machine handles the bulk of the work, significantly reducing the labour costs involved. This not only lowers the final price of the prosthetic but also accelerates the production process. A prosthetic that might take weeks or even months to produce using conventional methods can be created in a matter of days with a 3D printer. While speed may not be ideal on the road, it is beneficial when it comes to 3D printing. The speed at which a limb can be manufactured can help persons to get back to their daily lives much faster, increasing their ability to support themselves and their families.

ECONOMIC OPPORTUNITY

Transportation and logistics costs can make importing traditional prosthetics prohibitively expensive, but if the Government were to make this one of its priority programmes and perhaps partner with and equip facilities like the Sir John Golding Rehabilitation Centre, more persons may be able to have access to prosthetics. They could also consider having a similar programme in the western end of the island to serve rural communities.

This could open up opportunities for economic growth. By training local technicians and investing in 3D printing infrastructure, we could develop a domestic industry around the production of affordable, customised prosthetics that we could supply to our Caribbean neighbours. Jamaica has the potential to become a supplier of affordable prosthetics for the wider Caribbean region. Many Caribbean nations face similar challenges with high healthcare costs and limited access to advanced medical technologies. By developing local expertise and infrastructure in 3D-printed prosthetics, we could not only meet domestic needs but also export these cost-effective solutions, establishing ourselves as a regional hub for prosthetic innovation and healthcare technology. This would further stimulate economic growth while improving healthcare outcomes across the Caribbean.

Doug Halsall is the chairman and CEO of Advanced Integrated Systems. Email feedback to doug.halsall@gmail.com and editorial@gleanerjm.com.