The Indian Army has launched a pioneering initiative with the establishment of a skin bank aimed at enhancing treatment for severe burn injuries and other skin-related ailments affecting military personnel and their families.
This first-of-its-kind facility within the Armed Forces Medical Services is equipped with a dedicated team of medical professionals, including plastic surgeons, tissue engineers, and specialized technicians. The skin bank will function as a centralized facility responsible for the collection, processing, storage, and distribution of skin grafts, serving as a vital resource for military medical centers nationwide.
Lieutenant General Ajith Nilakantan, Commandant of Army Hospital (R&R), emphasized the significance of this initiative, describing it as an extension of the armed forces’ organ donation framework known as AORTA (Army Organ Retrieval and Transplant Authority). He highlighted that the establishment of a licensed skin bank marks a pivotal addition to the existing infrastructure supporting organ donations.
Understanding the Role of a Skin Bank
A skin bank operates by accepting donations from deceased individuals, rigorously testing the skin for infections, processing it, and storing it until needed. This stored skin is essential for performing skin grafts, a crucial surgical procedure where healthy skin from a donor is transplanted onto areas of the body that have suffered severe damage or loss.
The Process of Skin Grafting
Skin grafting involves removing a thin layer of healthy skin from either the patient’s own body (autograft) or from a donor (allograft) sourced from a skin bank. This procedure aids in the healing process by promoting tissue integration and reducing the risk of infection, ultimately leading to improved outcomes for patients.
Storage and Donation Criteria
Skin donated to a skin bank must be harvested within six hours of the donor’s death. Individuals of any gender and blood type above the age of 18 are eligible to donate, provided they do not have conditions such as AIDS, Hepatitis B & C, sexually transmitted diseases, active skin disease, or septicemia.
The donated skin is preserved in an 85% glycerol solution and stored at temperatures between 4-5 degrees Celsius for up to five years. Glycerol, a versatile compound derived from natural fats and oils, serves to maintain the integrity of the skin during storage.
Expansion and Impact
The establishment of North India’s first skin bank at Safdarjung Hospital, New Delhi, in 2023 underscores the growing network of 17 skin bank centers across the country, including locations in Maharashtra, Chennai, Karnataka, Madhya Pradesh, and Odisha. These facilities collectively contribute to improving healthcare delivery and outcomes for burn victims and patients requiring skin grafts.
In conclusion, the Indian Army’s initiative to launch a skin bank represents a significant advancement in medical capabilities, ensuring timely and effective treatment for severe skin injuries among military personnel and their dependents. This initiative not only underscores the military’s commitment to healthcare innovation but also sets a precedent for broader healthcare practices nationwide.
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