The Department of Science and Technology (DST) has established a medical products development research programme at the Central University of Technology in Bloemfontein.
The medical products programme has three focus areas: patient-specific prostheses, medical devices, and additive manufacturing (AM) technologies, according to the DST.
AM refers to a process by which digital 3D design data is used to build up a component in layers.
The DST says the medical development research programme forms part of the South African Research Chairs Initiative (Sarchi), which aims to increase scientific research capacity and innovations in some of the country's public universities.
Sarchi's key objectives are to attract established researchers into higher education institutions, as well as retain experts already in the system. The researchers will carry the responsibility of training and mentoring postgraduates. Currently, 154 Sarchi research initiatives have been awarded to 21 public-funded universities in the country.
According to the DST, the innovative medical equipment and devices made available through the research programme will be to the benefit of the community.
"Improvement in quality of life of the South African community can be brought about by research into innovative medical equipment and devices produced through AM processes," says the DST.
The DST also notes the design, development and production of new medical products can make a valuable contribution to wealth creation in the region.
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