Professional Evaluation of 3D Printing Applications for Medical Device Fabrication in Nigerian Hospital Settings

Three-dimensional printing technology offers transformative potential for local medical device fabrication in Nigerian hospitals, enabling on-demand production of surgical guides, orthotic devices, anatomical models, and customized prostheses at costs far below imported commercial alternatives. This study professionally evaluates the current and potential applications of 3D printing for medical device fabrication in Nigerian hospital settings, drawing on assessments conducted at seven hospitals and three universities with biomedical engineering programmes across Lagos, Abuja, Enugu, and Kano. Evaluation covered existing 3D printing installations in clinical and academic settings, applications in current use, regulatory compliance awareness, material safety considerations, quality assurance practices, and staff competency. A market and technology assessment documented available 3D printing platforms, clinical-grade printing materials, and local technical support capacity in Nigeria. Current applications documented include anatomical models for surgical planning and medical education, orthotic splints, custom prosthetic sockets, and phantom objects for equipment testing, all in academic hospital settings. Clinical-grade use of 3D printing for patient-contact devices was limited to two academic hospitals in Lagos and Abuja. Significant barriers identified include limited awareness of NAFDAC point-of-care manufacturing regulatory requirements, absence of quality management systems for 3D-printed device production, and limited availability of biocompatible medical-grade printing materials locally. The study recommends a professional practice guideline for hospital 3D printing applications, a NAFDAC regulatory clarification notice for point-of-care manufacturing, and targeted investment in 3D printing capability at university teaching hospitals. Keywords: 3D printing, medical device fabrication, hospital applications, Nigeria, biomedical engineering.