Prosthetic and Orthotic science is a very diverse and versatile scientific field. It builds and organises knowledge and skills, evolves, innovates and develops newer technology continuously over time and with context. At the same time, and based on scientific evidence, this field predicts future changes that are needed in relation to prosthetics, orthotics, mobility aids, assistive technology, various health care interventions including rehabilitation and beyond. Prosthetic and orthotic science is critical to rehabilitation science – a key that makes the apparently impossible, possible by optimizing the benefit of rehabilitation and other healthcare interventions and unlocking human potential, assisting an individual to do what he or she wishes to do.
Twenty-first century health care needs are quite different and becoming more challenging considering the population growth, especially the ageing population. Needs are increasing faster than the available financial and human resources. However, the silver lining is the emergence of digital technologies, artificial intelligence, advanced materials, machines and equipment. Today, professionals in the prosthetics and orthotics field are much more scientific and tech-savvy than ever before, while maintaining the human touch.
It needs to be noted, what happens outside the hospitals and clinics is as important as what happens inside, especially to ensure sustainable rehabilitation and prosthetic and orthotic services. Hence, prosthetic and orthotic science needs to look beyond business as usual and establish strong linkages with other development sectors, especially public health and the world of economics. In fact, all healthcare services need to look beyond and establish its power within the country’s development agenda to become sustainable. Prosthetic and orthotic science has all the power and potential; an important key to open the gate of development, especially Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), leaving no goals and no one behind.
