Media Release

Mangaluru, Dec 15: KMC Hospital's Center of Excellence for Technology Assisted Reconstructive Surgery inaugurated the 3D designing and printing lab and marked a significant milestone in healthcare innovation. In collaboration with CTARS, this facility is set to transform healthcare practices as it is first of its kind in coastal Karnataka and northern Kerala. The essence of 3D design and printing lies in its ability to visually represent and explain medical conditions to patients in real-time and through physical 3D models to offer better treatment modalities. 

For instance, if a patient is diagnosed with a lower jaw tumour, instead of relying solely on imaging diagnostics, a tangible 3D figure can be presented, providing immediate and hands-on insight into the nature of the tumour. It will offer advanced medical 3D design and printing services, including pre-surgical planning and education, the creation of patient-specific cutting and drilling guides, and the development of customized implants and implant moulds. These capabilities are poised to enhance precision in surgeries, leading to improved clinical outcomes.

The diverse benefits of utilizing 3D design and printing in the healthcare include:

• Personalised pre-surgical planning
• Customised surgical tools and prosthesis
• Enhanced patient education
• Reduced surgical time in operation theatre
• Shorter hospital stay and better clinical outcome
• Allows knowledge exchange between different centres

After the inaugurating the facility, the chief guest Dr Anand Venugopal, chief operating officer, Teaching Hospitals - Manipal Academy of Higher Education (MAHE), said, “The advent of 3D design and printing is a game-changer. It shifts the paradigm from merely analysing images to crafting physical representations of medical conditions. This technology not only enhances patient comprehension but also revolutionizes how we approach diagnosis and treatment planning”.

The guest of honour Dr B Unnikrishnan, dean, Kasturba Medical College stated that, “As we delve into the transformative landscape of healthcare, the integration of 3D design and printing stands out as a beacon of progress. This is not just a technological marvel but a tool that empowers communities. The statistics on the adoption of 3D design and printing in India speak volumes about its impact, fostering a new era of accessible and tailored medical solutions.”

According to recent data, the market of 3D design and printing technology for healthcare in India is projected to grow around 20.9% until 2030. This growth signifies a shift towards advanced and personalized medical solutions, emphasizing the positive impact of 3D technology on patient care across various medical disciplines.

Dr Dilip Naik, pro vice-chancellor of MAHE, Mangaluru Campus, who presided over the function said, “I am enthralled by the impact of 3D design and printing on healthcare at large as this technology goes beyond conventional methods, allowing us to craft customized solutions for patients From patient-specific implants to personalized prosthetics, 3D design and printing is reshaping the landscape of healthcare, ensuring our commitment to precision and patient-centric care.”

This technology has been applied in various specialities such as Cardio-Thoracic Surgery, Neurosurgery, Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Ophthalmology, Otolaryngology, Orthopaedics, Plastic Surgery, Podiatry, Pulmonology, Surgical and Radiation Oncology, Transplant Surgery, Urology, and Vascular Surgery. Dr Naik emphasized the importance of 3D printing in these fields as it has opened new possibilities for medical professionals to provide better patient care.

Saghir Siddiqui, regional chief operating officer, KMC Hospital, Mangaluru said, "Being a prominent healthcare entity in India, Manipal Hospitals consistently invests in cutting-edge healthcare technology. Given our diverse patient base from coastal Karnataka, northern Kerala, and the Gulf region, our commitment is to provide world-class clinical services. I am delighted to announce the launch of advanced 3D design and printing equipment for healthcare at our hospital—the first of its kind in this region. This revolutionary technology not only propels us forward but showcases our dedication to delivering the highest standards of care, personalized solutions, and leading-edge medical advancements to our community.”

Also present on the occasion was Dr N John Nesan, director, CTARS, Dr Abhay Kamath, consultant oral and Maxillofacial Surgeon, KMC Hospital Mangaluru, Dr Atmananda Hegde, Consultant – Orthopaedics, KMC Hospital, Dr Madhav Kamath, consultant – Cardiothoracic Vascular Surgery, KMC Hospital,  gave technical inputs about the 3D designing and printing lab for healthcare.

About Manipal Hospitals

As a pioneer in healthcare, Manipal Hospitals is among the top healthcare providers in India serving over 5 million patients annually. Its focus is to develop an affordable, high-quality healthcare framework through its multispecialty and tertiary care delivery spectrum and further extend it to out-of-hospital care. With the completion of the acquisition of AMRI Hospitals, the integrated network will have a pan-India footprint of 33 hospitals across 17 cities with 9,500 beds, and a talented pool of over 5,000 doctors, and an employee strength of over 20,000.

Manipal Hospitals provides comprehensive curative and preventive care for a multitude of patients from around the globe. Manipal Hospitals is NABH, and AAHRPP accredited and most of the hospitals in its network are NABL, ER, and Blood Bank accredited and recognized for Nursing Excellence. Manipal Hospitals has also been recognized as the most respected and patient-recommended hospital in India through various consumer surveys.