Surgeon Vice Admiral Arti Sarin, Director General Armed Forces Medical Services (DGAFMS), visited the Artificial Limb Centre (ALC) in Pune on August 11, 2026, reviewing the institution’s advanced rehabilitation facilities, indigenous innovations in prosthetics and orthotics, and ongoing efforts to improve mobility and quality of life for amputees.
During the visit, the DGAFMS was given an overview of the Artificial Limb Centre’s expanding capabilities in comprehensive rehabilitation and patient-centric care. A major focus of the visit was “Saksham”, the Centre’s unique Holistic Mobility Clinic, which brings multidisciplinary rehabilitation services together under one roof.
The Saksham initiative is designed to provide patients with an integrated rehabilitation experience by combining multiple areas of expertise required during their recovery and mobility journey. Such an approach is particularly significant for amputees and other patients with mobility-related disabilities, whose rehabilitation often requires coordinated inputs from specialists working across prosthetics, orthotics, physiotherapy, medical care and functional training.
Surg Vice Admiral Arti Sarin appreciated the concept and functioning of the clinic, highlighting the importance of comprehensive rehabilitation in enabling patients to regain mobility, independence and confidence.
Another significant feature reviewed during the visit was ALC Pune’s advanced 3D printing facility. The facility showcased indigenous innovations being developed and utilised in the fields of orthotics and prosthetics.
Three-dimensional printing technology has emerged as an important tool in modern rehabilitation because it allows customised components to be developed according to an individual patient’s anatomical and functional requirements. Its adoption at the Artificial Limb Centre reflects the increasing integration of modern technology with rehabilitation medicine within the Armed Forces Medical Services.
The DGAFMS was also briefed on ongoing efforts by the Centre to modernise customised footwear solutions. Specialised footwear can play an important role in rehabilitation by improving stability, distributing pressure appropriately and addressing individual mobility requirements.
A major highlight of the visit was the unveiling of the Phoenix Foot Mk-I by Surg Vice Admiral Arti Sarin.
Developed as a landmark innovation of the Artificial Limb Centre, the Phoenix Foot Mk-I has been designed to help amputees negotiate diverse types of terrain. The innovation is aimed at improving functional mobility and giving amputees greater confidence while moving across conditions that may prove challenging with conventional prosthetic solutions.
The development of the Phoenix Foot Mk-I also underlines the Centre’s focus on indigenous solutions tailored to the practical requirements of its patients. By combining clinical expertise, engineering innovation and feedback from users, ALC Pune continues to work towards prosthetic systems that can enhance mobility beyond controlled indoor environments.
During her visit, the DGAFMS interacted personally with patients undergoing treatment and rehabilitation at the Centre as well as their attendants. The interaction provided an opportunity to understand their rehabilitation experiences and the impact of the Centre’s medical and technological interventions on their daily lives.
Surg Vice Admiral Arti Sarin also recognised the contribution of personnel who have demonstrated exceptional dedication in their duties. She felicitated deserving staff members with DGAFMS Appreciation Cards in acknowledgement of their commitment to patient care and rehabilitation services.
She commended Team ALC for its relentless pursuit of excellence, innovation and compassionate care, noting the important role played by the Centre in helping individuals overcome mobility limitations and regain independence.
The Artificial Limb Centre in Pune has long played a specialised role in providing prosthetic, orthotic and rehabilitation support, particularly to serving and retired Armed Forces personnel who have suffered limb loss or mobility-related injuries. Its work combines medical rehabilitation with technological solutions intended to restore functionality and enable patients to lead active and independent lives.
The visit of the DGAFMS highlighted the growing emphasis within the Armed Forces Medical Services on incorporating indigenous technology, advanced manufacturing techniques and multidisciplinary healthcare models into rehabilitation.
Initiatives such as Saksham, the use of 3D printing for customised solutions and the development of the Phoenix Foot Mk-I demonstrate how patient care is increasingly being supported by technological innovation and indigenous research.
The broader objective remains not merely to provide an artificial limb or assistive device, but to help an individual regain functional independence and successfully adapt to professional, social and everyday environments.
By combining innovation with compassionate medical care, Team ALC continues to advance its mission of transforming disability into “SuperAbility”, enabling patients to move forward with greater mobility, dignity and confidence.
