This is according to Paul Fotheringham, the founder of 3D Life Prints, who says it is always rewarding to see how lives can be improved through the use this technology. “We want to make a difference to hundreds of thousands of people, but it’s about how you get to that scale.”
“For example, it is possible to print a prosthetic in two days as compared to two weeks with traditional methods, at a fraction of the cost, which is crucial, especially in low-income regions. A child who receives a prosthetic at the age of five will need to change the prosthetic limb 17 times over the course of a lifetime as he or she grows. Prosthetics can also be made with additional functionality, such as the gripping of a hand, with materials that can be locally sourced. This is important, especially in rural areas.”
His company donated a 3D-printed hand and forearm to Mpho Maduwane, who was born without lower legs and forearms, who says she did not fully understand what a 3D printed arm would look like until she saw it in person.
“It will help me to write neatly,” says Maduwane, “and it will help to push myself [in my wheelchair] because it is difficult to go up and down ramps. I’m thankful, really thankful.”
However, Fotheringham explains that 3D printing also goes beyond prosthetics. “The potential for surgical tools and equipment such as scalpels and incubators for premature babies is massive.”
He points to the fact that 3D-printed drones are being used in Rwanda to deliver medical supplies. “These aircraft can also locate missing people in hazardous search and rescue operations, where every second counts to save someone’s life.”
He says in order to reach a point where 3D printing is rolled out to public health, however, there needs to be collaboration and buy-in from the top levels of governments.
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