The Rotary Club, in collaboration with Aster MIMS, Calicut, launched of North Kerala's first Skin Bank. This groundbreaking initiative aims to address the critical need for skin grafting in burn patients and significantly improve their chances of recovery. The inauguration ceremony took place at Aster MIMS Calicut on Friday, where Past District Governor, Rotarian Gauri Rajan, handed over the necessary equipment for Aster MIMS Skin bank.
The skin, being the largest organ of the body, plays a vital role in protecting us from infections. However, burn injuries often result in extensive skin loss, posing a grave threat to patients' lives. Currently, the only viable treatment option is skin grafting which involves surgically removing skin from the patient's body and grafting it onto the affected areas. This procedure can be challenging and painful for patients. The establishment of the Skin Bank aims to overcome these obstacles and revolutionize burn treatment in North Kerala.
The Skin Bank accepts donated skin from deceased individuals. Using advanced technology, the donated skin is stored and subsequently transplanted to patients in need. Presently, only a handful of hospitals across the country have such facilities, making the launch of North Kerala's first Skin Bank a significant milestone in healthcare advancements.
Skin donation is open to anyone above the age of 18, irrespective of gender or blood group. Even individuals with lifestyle diseases such as diabetes and high blood pressure can contribute to this noble cause. The donation process involves taking approximately one-eighth of the total skin from either the leg or back of the donor. Similar to eye donation, the collection can occur at the hospital or be facilitated by an expert team visiting the deceased's home, a process that takes a maximum of 45 minutes. The collected skin can then be preserved in a frozen state within the Skin Bank for up to five years.
Rotary Past District Governor, Dr. Rajesh Subhash, emphasized that the establishment of the Skin Bank will eliminate the need for patients to travel long distances in search of treatment. This development brings hope and relief to countless individuals in North Kerala and marks a significant step forward in burn care.
