Kerala Launches Its First Skin Bank to Improve Burn Care Treatment

Kerala has taken an important step forward in strengthening its public healthcare system with the launch of skin processing at the state’s first skin bank, established at the Government Medical College in the capital city, Thiruvananthapuram.

This advanced facility is expected to significantly improve treatment for patients suffering from severe burns and major skin loss, conditions that are often life-threatening and difficult to manage.

State Health Minister Veena George said that the skin bank has been set up to ensure that burn victims receive world-class treatment within the government healthcare system itself. She also announced that plans are already underway to establish a second skin bank at the Government Medical College in Kottayam, which will further strengthen Kerala’s burn care infrastructure and expand access to advanced treatment across the state.

The skin bank functions by collecting donated skin and preserving it under strict temperature control and safety standards. Once collected, the skin undergoes a chemical processing procedure that takes about three weeks. After this process, the skin becomes suitable for medical use and can be grafted onto patients using modern plastic surgery techniques.

Skin grafts play a critical role in treating patients with major burn injuries. Severe burns destroy the skin, which acts as the body’s natural protective barrier. When this barrier is lost, patients face a high risk of infection, fluid loss, intense pain, and other serious complications.

Medical experts explain that transplanted skin works like a biological dressing. It provides immediate coverage to damaged areas, reduces the chances of infection, relieves pain, and prevents the loss of fluids and electrolytes. This helps stabilise patients during the most critical stages of recovery.

Banked skin is especially important for patients with extensive burns, where there may not be enough healthy skin available on their own bodies

for grafting. The first skin harvesting at the new bank was made possible after the family of a brain-dead donor gave their consent, underlining the importance of public awareness about skin donation. Officials clarified that skin donation does not cause any visible disfigurement, as the skin is taken from areas such as the back of the thighs.

The procedure was performed by a team led by Dr Prem Lal from the Plastic Surgery Department. Depending on medical needs, skin from a single donor can help one or even multiple patients.

The skin bank works closely with burn units and specialised burn ICUs, which provide advanced care for patients with serious burn injuries. Together, these efforts mark a major boost to Kerala’s ability to manage and treat severe burns effectively.

With Inputs from IANS