Submission ID 116838
| Issue/Objective | In a rapidly evolving global health landscape where international funding and support are increasingly uncertain, locally driven innovation in medical technology is critical for ensuring sustainable and equitable healthcare access. |
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| Methodology/Approach | The Frugal Biomedical Innovations Program (FBIP) at Western University exemplifies this approach, leveraging local demand, expertise, and manufacturing capacity to design and scale high-performance, low-cost medical devices that function effectively in remote and resource-limited settings. |
| Results | FBIP employs co-design and co-development strategies with researchers, clinicians, and end users in Northern Canada and Sub-Saharan Africa to create medical technologies that are not only contextually relevant but also economically viable for local production. By integrating frugal engineering principles, the program minimizes costs, reduces dependence on specialized personnel, and ensures that critical devices can be manufactured and maintained within partnering communities. This approach strengthens health system resilience, promotes economic empowerment through local manufacturing, and enhances self-sufficiency in medical technology innovation. |
| Discussion/Conclusion | This presentation will highlight case studies of co-created medical technologies, including low-cost diagnostic imaging solutions, 3D-printed prosthetics, and telehealth-integrated devices. It will also explore scalable models for sustainable MedTech innovation that reduce reliance on external aid while aligning with global health security and equity goals. |
| Presenters and affiliations | Margaret Mutumba Western University James Lacefield University of Western Ontario David Holdsworth University of Western Ontario Maria Drangova University of Western Ontario Melanie Katsivo University of Western Ontario Amare Kassaw Bahir Dar University Robert Ssekitoleko Makerere University |
