AMTZ starts Bachelor’s programme in Prosthetics and Orthotics
Andhra Pradesh MedTech Zone (AMTZ) has launched Andhra Pradesh’s first Bachelor in Prosthetics and Orthotics (BPO) programme, marking a significant step towards addressing the shortage of qualified rehabilitation professionals in the country.
The 4.5-year undergraduate programme has been introduced to bridge a long-standing gap in rehabilitation education in South India, where students aspiring to pursue prosthetics and orthotics have had limited access to dedicated courses and often had to seek admissions outside their home States.
India continues to face a shortage of qualified Prosthetists and Orthotists despite the rising demand for rehabilitation services, driven by trauma, diabetes, congenital disabilities, neurological disorders, and an ageing population. The new programme is expected to strengthen the rehabilitation workforce while improving access to trained professionals in the region.
The curriculum has been designed to equip students with the knowledge and practical skills required to assess patients, design and fabricate customised prosthetic and orthotic devices, and provide comprehensive rehabilitation care. It combines classroom instruction with clinical exposure and hands-on training using modern laboratories and rehabilitation technologies to prepare graduates for careers in hospitals, rehabilitation centres, and the medical technology sector.
Speaking on the initiative, Dr. Jitendra Sharma, Executive Director of KIHT, said the programme reflected AMTZ’s commitment to developing skilled professionals alongside advancing medical technologies. “Healthcare transformation is driven not only by innovation but also by professionals who can translate technology into better patient care,” he said.
According to AMTZ, the initiative aims to strengthen India’s rehabilitation ecosystem by building a skilled workforce that improves access to quality prosthetic and orthotic services and supports more inclusive healthcare across the region.