{"id":33662,"date":"2018-11-13T17:52:16","date_gmt":"2018-11-13T22:52:16","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/digital.hbs.edu\/platform-rctom\/submission\/chinas-take-on-3d-printing-in-healthcare\/"},"modified":"2018-11-13T17:52:16","modified_gmt":"2018-11-13T22:52:16","slug":"chinas-take-on-3d-printing-in-healthcare","status":"publish","type":"hck-submission","link":"https:\/\/d3.harvard.edu\/platform-rctom\/submission\/chinas-take-on-3d-printing-in-healthcare\/","title":{"rendered":"China\u2019s Take on 3D Printing in Healthcare"},"content":{"rendered":"

3D Printing in China: A Potential Cure-All Solution?<\/u><\/strong><\/p>\n

As China continues to move from a manufacturing to a services economy, the need for innovation has become increasingly important. Additionally, China\u2019s growing population has also increased its need for better, and cheaper, healthcare. China\u2019s Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT) has increased its investments in research & development and innovation in the healthcare space \u2013 particularly in 3D printing.<\/p>\n

Not only does Asia have the most \u201cgrowth potential for 3-D printing\u201d[2]<\/a> due to its large patient population, it also has strong political backing, as a surge in supportive government policies have proved. In 2017, \u201cinstitutions in China spent $1.1 billion on 3D printing,\u201d[3]<\/a> thus paving the way for customized implants that can reduce both use of materials and the likelihood of body rejection.[4]<\/a> Additionally, 3D organs are an effective alternative for long organ transplant lists and can enable access to treatments even in remote areas of China.[5]<\/a><\/p>\n

<\/a>\"\"<\/a>[6]<\/a><\/p>\n

Large hospitals in China are already benefiting from 3D modeling ahead of complex surgeries, which \u201callows surgeons [to] reduc[e] time on the operating table\u201d[7]<\/a> and enables them to further customize their approach. Each implant or prosthetic can be 3D printed to fit each patient\u2019s individual needs, which is not the case with mass-produced prosthetics. While a customized product usually means a surge in price, 3D printing has allowed patients to benefit from a total cost reduction of up to 70%.[8]<\/a><\/p>\n

The Future of 3D Printing in China\u2019s Healthcare System<\/u><\/strong><\/p>\n

In 2015, the MIIT launched its \u201cMade In China 2025\u201d initiative to foster advancements in R&D, and to push China up the global production chain. [9]<\/a>\u00a0 Two years later, to further solidify China\u2019s competitive edge in this space, another initiative to grow the local 3D printing industry was launched with the goal of growing Chinese 3D printing brands to $3 billion by 2020.[10]<\/a><\/p>\n

In an attempt to capitalize on the brain-power of international organizations, Shanghai Children\u2019s Medical Center and Belgium-based Materialise are collaborating on a charitable initiative to provide free medical care for children with heart disease from China\u2019s under-developed western regions. On average, families currently pay between RMB 80-100,000 (USD $11,600-$14,500) for a heart operation, but 3D printing will reduce these costs dramatically.[11]<\/a> With the help of Materalise, the first pediatric 3D medical research facility was opened in China in 2015.[12]<\/a><\/p>\n

Further, the National Innovation Center was established to increase collaboration between local firms and research groups within universities to \u201chelp address technological bottlenecks that impede commercial applications of 3D printing.\u201d[13]<\/a><\/p>\n

As China continues to grow into its leading role as one of the key players in the bioprinting space, it must focus on further developing and enforcing industry standards and certifications. Safety issues will be a key topic for both private and commercial users.[14]<\/a><\/p>\n

To stay in the lead in its application of additive manufacturing in healthcare, the MIIT should consider how best to gather data on the outcomes of its various initiatives, as well as how to best analyze this information.<\/p>\n

Finally, the focus on collaboration, but also differentiation, will become a key question. Innovation may speed up substantially through partnerships with international organizations but may also erode China\u2019s competitive advantage.<\/p>\n

Additional Thoughts<\/u><\/strong><\/p>\n

Finally, two questions warrant consideration. First \u2013 what are the long-term effect of the 3D printed products on patient health? While we can observe their effectiveness in the short-term, we have yet to see how our bodies respond in the longer-term.<\/p>\n

Additionally, what are the effects on our global healthcare systems and economy?<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

(790 words)<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

[1]<\/a> Pando, A. (2018).\u00a0How 3D Printing Could Change The Health Industry<\/em>. [online] Forbes. Available at: https:\/\/www.forbes.com\/sites\/forbestechcouncil\/2018\/01\/17\/how-3d-printing-could-change-the-health-industry\/#737766a551ce<\/p>\n

[2]<\/a> Gross, A. (2016). Growth of Medical 3-D Printing in Asia | MedTech Intelligence<\/em>. [online] MedTech Intelligence. Available at: https:\/\/www.medtechintelligence.com\/feature_article\/growth-medical-3-d-printing-asia\/<\/p>\n

[3]<\/a> Jennings, R. (2018).\u00a0China Lays Groundwork For Asian, World Lead In 3D Printing<\/em>. [online] Forbes. Available at: https:\/\/www.forbes.com\/sites\/ralphjennings\/2018\/02\/01\/china-lays-groundwork-for-asian-world-lead-in-3d-printing\/#7e12d1177f54 [Accessed 13 Nov. 2018].<\/p>\n

[4]<\/a> Ericson, A. (2018).\u00a03D Printing Brings New Things to Healthcare<\/em>. [online] Accenture.com. Available at: https:\/\/www.accenture.com\/us-en\/blogs\/blogs-how-3d-printing-revolutionize-healthcare<\/p>\n

[5]<\/a> Gross, A. (2016). Growth of Medical 3-D Printing in Asia | MedTech Intelligence<\/em>. [online] MedTech Intelligence. Available at: https:\/\/www.medtechintelligence.com\/feature_article\/growth-medical-3-d-printing-asia\/<\/p>\n

[6]<\/a> Inkwood Research. (2018).\u00a03D Printing Market | Global Trend, Size, Analysis Report 2017-2025<\/em>. [online] Available at: https:\/\/www.inkwoodresearch.com\/reports\/3d-printing-market\/ [Accessed 13 Nov. 2018]<\/p>\n

[7]<\/a> Ericson, A. (2018).\u00a03D Printing Brings New Things to Healthcare<\/em>. [online] Accenture.com. Available at: https:\/\/www.accenture.com\/us-en\/blogs\/blogs-how-3d-printing-revolutionize-healthcare [Accessed 13 Nov. 2018].<\/p>\n

[8]<\/a> Pando, A. (2018).\u00a0How 3D Printing Could Change The Health Industry<\/em>. [online] Forbes. Available at: https:\/\/www.forbes.com\/sites\/forbestechcouncil\/2018\/01\/17\/how-3d-printing-could-change-the-health-industry\/#737766a551ce<\/p>\n

[9]<\/a> Csis.org. (2018). [online] Available at: https:\/\/www.csis.org\/analysis\/made-china-2025<\/p>\n

[10]<\/a> Jennings, R. (2018).\u00a0China Lays Groundwork For Asian, World Lead In 3D Printing<\/em>. [online] Forbes. Available at: https:\/\/www.forbes.com\/sites\/ralphjennings\/2018\/02\/01\/china-lays-groundwork-for-asian-world-lead-in-3d-printing\/#7e12d1177f54<\/p>\n

[11]<\/a> English.cctv.com. (2018).\u00a0China Breakthroughs: 3D printing pumps new life for young heart patients – CCTV News – CCTV.com English<\/em>. [online] Available at: http:\/\/english.cctv.com\/2017\/08\/21\/ARTIEaqFETl08rgmbYsVaeH9170821.shtml<\/p>\n

[12]<\/a> Gross, A. (2016). Growth of Medical 3-D Printing in Asia | MedTech Intelligence<\/em>. [online] MedTech Intelligence. Available at: https:\/\/www.medtechintelligence.com\/feature_article\/growth-medical-3-d-printing-asia\/<\/p>\n

[13]<\/a> Usa.chinadaily.com.cn. (2018).\u00a0‘3D printing is booming’ – USA – Chinadaily.com.cn<\/em>. [online] Available at: http:\/\/usa.chinadaily.com.cn\/epaper\/2017-08\/21\/content_30910283.htm<\/p>\n

[14]<\/a> Jennings, R. (2018).\u00a0China Lays Groundwork For Asian, World Lead In 3D Printing<\/em>. [online] Forbes. Available at: https:\/\/www.forbes.com\/sites\/ralphjennings\/2018\/02\/01\/china-lays-groundwork-for-asian-world-lead-in-3d-printing\/#7e12d1177f54<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

The rise of additive manufacturing, also known as 3D printing, has transformed numerous industries across the globe. 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