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The President, Dr Mokgweetsi Eric Keabetswe Masisi has assured the University of Botswana (UB) of full support in procuring Titanium 3D Printing Machinery for medical devises to improve healthcare and save costs.

President Masisi reaffirmed the government's support during a tour of UB’s stall at the ground-breaking ceremony for the Sir Seretse Khama International Airport Special Economic Zone (SSKIASEZ) project on the 3rd of October 2024. He observed that UB possessed medical experts with the capacity and knowledge to produce custom-made medical devices which would enhance the efficiency of medical professionals in their duties.

The President further advised UB to collaborate with the Ministry of Communications, Knowledge and Technology and the Ministry of Health to secure funding for the procurement of 3D printing medical equipment. He underscored the importance of UB safeguarding its intellectual property to ensure long-term benefits from its innovations.

Dr Shathani Nkhwa from UB's Faculty of Medicine, specialising in Biomedical, Biomaterials and Tissue Engineering, echoed the President's sentiments, noting that Botswana currently relied on expensive 3D medical devices imported from South Africa. She expressed confidence that UB had the expertise and knowledge to produce such devices locally.

Dr Nkhwa also highlighted UB’s state-of-the-art Regenerative Labs housed at the Sir Ketumile Masire Teaching Hospital. The labs focus on 3D printing for medical applications including pre-surgical planning and the creation of patient-specific medical devices. The labs also explore regenerative medicine with an emphasis on establishing a human cell bank and fabricating biomaterials for tissue regeneration.

Among the products showcased by UB were modified IFIT prosthetics designed to be more accommodating, adjustable and affordable.