Lucknow News: The establishment of Uttar Pradesh’s inaugural skin bank, crucial for treating severe burn injuries, is facing delays due to the procurement delay of essential equipment. The skin bank, situated at King George’s Medical University (KGMU), was conceptualized in 2022 with the aim to commence operations by the end of 2023.
Infrastructure Ready, Procurement Pending
The skin bank, located within the Department of Plastic Surgery in a 1500 sq feet space, has its infrastructure in place. However, the university is yet to acquire specific equipment necessary for the skin bank’s functioning. The State Organ Tissue Transplant Organisation (SOTTO) inspection, which is mandatory for obtaining permission to operate the skin bank, cannot proceed until the procurement is complete.
Assurance from Officials
University officials have assured that the procurement process is underway, emphasizing that the skin bank launch is a top priority. “The process of starting the skin bank is a priority. A few equipments are under process for purchase, and as soon as they are bought, we shall go for the license process. Thereafter, the skin bank will start,” stated Prof Soniya Nityanand, the Vice-Chancellor of KGMU.
Functionality and Purpose
A skin bank is a facility where skin from a donor, often individuals who express a wish for organ donation posthumously, is harvested and preserved. It serves as a resource for providing allograft skin to cover partial or full-thickness burn injuries. Prof Vjay Kumar, Head of the Plastic Surgery department, explained that with the aid of deep freezers, the donated skin is planned to be preserved for up to three months.
Operational Process and Collaboration
Once operational, the skin bank’s staff will coordinate with the families of brain-dead patients opting for organ donation. Similar to the harvesting process of kidneys, liver, and cornea, the skin will be obtained, lab-tested, and stored under temperature-controlled equipment. The skin is then provided to burn injury patients after matching the skin type. Skin grafts not only facilitate a speedy recovery but also protect patients from potential infections in open wounds.
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