Andhra Pradesh MedTech Zone (AMTZ) has launched the state’s first Bachelor in Prosthetics & Orthotics (BPO) programme, marking a major step towards strengthening rehabilitation education and developing skilled healthcare professionals in the region. The initiative addresses the growing need for qualified prosthetists and orthotists while expanding access to quality rehabilitation services across Andhra Pradesh and neighbouring states.
The new undergraduate programme has been introduced at a time when India is witnessing a rising demand for rehabilitation care due to increasing cases of trauma, diabetes, congenital disabilities, neurological disorders and age-related mobility challenges. Despite this growing need, South India has had limited opportunities for students to pursue formal education in prosthetics and orthotics, forcing many aspiring professionals to seek courses outside their home states.
With the introduction of this programme, AMTZ aims to bridge this gap by creating a strong talent pipeline capable of supporting the country’s expanding rehabilitation and assistive healthcare sector. The Bachelor in Prosthetics & Orthotics programme spans 4.5 years and has been designed to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of rehabilitation science. The curriculum combines classroom learning with extensive practical training, enabling students to assess patients, design and fabricate customised prosthetic and orthotic devices, and deliver rehabilitation services that improve mobility and quality of life.
Students will receive hands-on clinical exposure through modern laboratories, advanced rehabilitation technologies and practical training, ensuring they develop the technical knowledge and patient-care skills required to meet national as well as international standards in prosthetics and orthotics.
The programme focuses on preparing professionals who can support individuals with limb loss, physical disabilities and movement disorders by providing customised assistive devices that help restore mobility, independence and confidence. Graduates will be equipped to work in hospitals, rehabilitation centres, prosthetic and orthotic clinics, research institutions, medical device companies and other healthcare organisations.
AMTZ said the initiative reflects its broader commitment to strengthening India’s healthcare ecosystem by developing both advanced medical technologies and the skilled professionals needed to deliver quality patient care.
Commenting on the launch, Dr Jitendra Sharma, Executive Director, Kalam Institute of Health Technology (KIHT), said healthcare transformation depends not only on innovation in medical technology but also on creating a workforce capable of applying these technologies to improve patient outcomes. He noted that AMTZ remains committed to nurturing healthcare talent alongside promoting innovation in the medical technology sector.
The launch of the BPO programme is expected to strengthen the rehabilitation ecosystem in Andhra Pradesh while creating new career opportunities for students interested in assistive healthcare and rehabilitation sciences. It will also contribute to addressing the shortage of trained prosthetists and orthotists in India, helping improve access to rehabilitation services for people living with physical disabilities.
As India continues to invest in inclusive healthcare and disability support, the need for qualified rehabilitation professionals is expected to increase significantly. By introducing Andhra Pradesh’s first Bachelor in Prosthetics & Orthotics programme, AMTZ is taking an important step towards building a skilled workforce capable of meeting future healthcare needs while supporting people with disabilities in leading more independent and dignified lives.
