SL’s first 3D Printing unit to design and produce artificial body parts opened at National Hospital

Sri Lanka’s first ever 3D Printing unit to design and produce artificial body parts was opened at the Accident and Orthopaedic Service of the Colombo National Hospital, this week.

The new unit, which has the state-of-the art technology introduced by the WHO, was declared opened by the Minister of Health, Nutrition and Indigenous Dr. Rajitha Senaratne. The unique feature of the 3D Printer is that except the scanner, all other units of the printer are manufactured in Sri Lanka. In addition to the artificial limbs and other body parts, the 3D Printer can also design and manufacture other medical equipment. Until the installation of this unit, all artificial body parts were made using a plaster of Paris mould since 1950. The patients will be able to get the assistance to design and make required artificial body parts as the 3D Printer is using the latest technology to produce artificial body parts. Earlier it took over three weeks to get the required artificial body parts done but now with the new 3D Printer it will take only four hours to design and produce an artificial body part.

Director General Health Services Dr. Anil Jasinghe, Deputy Director General of the National Hospital Dr. Kumara Wickramasinghe, Deputy Director Lionel Muhandirum, Deputy Director Accident Ward Dr. Samindi Samarakoon and other staffers of the Orthopaedic Service participated at the ceremony.