Kerala to Launch Its First Skin Bank at Thiruvananthapuram Medical College

Kerala’s Health Minister, Veena George, has announced the imminent launch of the state’s first skin bank, set to be established at Thiruvananthapuram Medical College within the next month. Preparations for the facility are in their final stages, with necessary permissions currently being processed. The skin bank will enable the collection, preservation, and transplantation of skin—the body’s largest organ—for patients in need.

Approval Process and Expansion Plans

To commence the collection of skin for the bank, the consent of the Kerala State Organ (KSO) Donation Committee is required. Minister George confirmed that the KSO’s approval will be sought promptly, allowing the skin bank to become operational within the designated timeframe. Plans are also underway to establish a second skin bank at Kottayam Medical College, further enhancing the state’s healthcare infrastructure.

During a high-level meeting focused on improving burn care facilities, George underscored the importance of standardised guidelines for establishing and operating skin banks. This initiative is part of broader efforts to strengthen the state’s burns units and provide comprehensive care for burn victims.

Role and Impact of Skin Banks

Skin banks play a vital role in collecting and preserving skin for transplantation, a procedure crucial for treating severe burns or injuries. These transplants can save lives, prevent infections, and reduce disfigurement among burn victims. Minister George highlighted the need to increase awareness about skin donation, urging the public to view it with the same importance as other organ donations.

Strengthening Burn Care Infrastructure

Under the current government, Kerala has significantly enhanced its burn care facilities. Burns units, supervised by the Plastic Surgery Department, have been established at major medical colleges, including Alappuzha, Kannur, and Kollam. Existing burns units at Thiruvananthapuram, Kottayam, Ernakulam, and Thrissur Medical Colleges, along with those at Ernakulam General Hospital and Kollam District Hospital, continue to provide specialised care. Work is also underway to set up a burns unit at Kozhikode Medical College.

The Health Minister has directed the submission of proposals for additional burns units in Kollam, Alappuzha, and Kannur Medical Colleges. A dedicated working group has been tasked with standardising the operations of burns units and developing a unified treatment protocol for burn patients. The group is expected to submit its proposals within 15 days.

Coordinated Approach for Improved Efficiency

To streamline operations, the Directorate of Medical Education has been instructed to establish a centralised mechanism for coordinating centrally sponsored schemes. This will ensure the efficient functioning of the state’s burn care network, bringing critical care services closer to those in need.

Advanced Care for Burn Victims

Specialised burns intensive care units (ICUs) at Kerala’s medical colleges have been instrumental in reducing infection risks for burn victims. These ICUs are equipped to treat patients with burns covering more than 20% of their body, providing advanced care to facilitate swift recovery and rehabilitation.

A Vision for Enhanced Healthcare

Minister Veena George’s initiatives aim to revolutionise burn care and organ donation infrastructure in Kerala. The launch of the state’s first skin bank and the expansion of burns units reflect a commitment to delivering high-quality healthcare services to those in need.