Kerala’s first skin bank will be operational within a month at Thiruvananthapuram Medical College, aimed at improving burn treatment and saving lives.
Kochi: Kerala will soon have its first skin bank at the Thiruvananthapuram Medical College within a month, announced Health Minister Veena George. The necessary preparations are in the final stages, and approval from K-SOTTO is awaited to begin the skin donation process. Once approved, the bank will be operational in a month. Additionally, plans to set up a skin bank at Kottayam Medical College are also underway. Guidelines for establishing skin banks have been formulated.
The skin bank aims to collect, preserve, and transplant skin using advanced technology to patients in need. This will help save lives and prevent infections for individuals suffering from skin damage due to accidents or burns. There is a need to raise awareness about skin donation, similar to other organ donations.
Under the supervision of the Plastic Surgery Department, burn units are being set up at various medical colleges, including Alappuzha, Kannur, and Kollam, providing specialized care for burn victims. Existing burn units at Thiruvananthapuram, Kottayam, Ernakulam, and Thrissur are functioning successfully. Plans to establish burn units at Kozhikode Medical College are also in progress.
Further proposals for burn units in Kollam, Alappuzha, and Kannur are being prepared. Standardization and unified treatment protocols for these units will be finalized within 15 days. This initiative aims to reduce infections and provide rapid relief to burn patients, ensuring better care and outcomes.
