By Our Reporter
SHILLONG, June 5: Arts and Culture Minister Sanbor Shullai on Friday said that advanced solutions powered by 3D scanning, digital design, artificial intelligence, and modern manufacturing techniques are making quality prosthetic care more affordable and accessible, particularly for people living in remote areas.
Addressing the inaugural session of a two-day Hands-on 3D Prosthetic Training Programme at U Soso Tham Auditorium here, Shullai said the initiative reflects a collective commitment to strengthening rehabilitation services and promoting inclusive healthcare through innovation and technology.
The training programme is being organised by the office of the Commissioner for Persons with Disabilities under the state Social Welfare Department in collaboration with the Pt. Deendayal Upadhyaya National Institute for Persons with Physical Disabilities (Divyangjan), Union Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment, and Instalimb India Pvt Ltd.
The programme has brought together prosthetic and orthotic professionals from across the North East to enhance their skills in emerging 3D prosthetic and orthotic technologies and strengthen rehabilitation services in the region. Participants are receiving practical training in the latest 3D printing techniques to develop assistive and rehabilitation devices.
A major highlight of the inaugural programme was the fitting and distribution of 3D-printed artificial limbs to 12 people with disabilities who had undergone amputations, showcasing the transformative impact of advanced technology in improving mobility, independence, and quality of life.
Shullai underscored the importance of capacity building among rehabilitation professionals and expressed confidence that the knowledge and expertise gained through the programme would significantly improve rehabilitation services across the North East.
Referring to the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016, he reiterated the government’s commitment to ensuring dignity, equality, accessibility, and social inclusion for persons with disabilities.
The inaugural session was attended by Commissioner and Secretary of the Social Welfare Department Pravin Bakshi, Managing Director and COO of Instalimb India Pvt Ltd Shoichiro Adachi, senior government officials, rehabilitation professionals, and beneficiaries.
Several beneficiaries who received the 3D-printed artificial limbs expressed gratitude for the support provided through the programme.
Among them, Bawanhun Khongwir said the prosthetic limb would enable her to carry out daily activities more independently. Having lived with a disability since childhood, she said this was her first experience using a prosthetic limb.
Nazareen Nongkhlaw of Mawiong Umjapung described the device as comfortable and easy to use. Thanking the department and partner organisations for providing the prosthetic limb free of cost, she said it would greatly improve her mobility and daily life.
Another beneficiary, Remender Talang of Shilliang Myntang, said he was delighted to receive the artificial limb. He said that he had previously depended on a walking stick for mobility and was happy to be able to walk with the assistance of the prosthetic device. He also appreciated that the support was provided free of charge.
The two-day programme aims to equip rehabilitation professionals with the latest technological advancements in prosthetics and orthotics, while expanding access to quality assistive devices for persons with disabilities in the region.
