Kerala is set to inaugurate its first skin bank at the Government Medical College Hospital, Thiruvananthapuram, within a month, Health Minister Veena George announced on Monday. The facility is awaiting final approval from the Kerala State Organ and Tissue Transplant Organisation (K-SOTTO) to procure skin through organ donation.
As reported by medicalbuyer, the initiative, first proposed in 2018 after the Puttingal fireworks tragedy exposed gaps in burn care, is nearing completion. The original plan, which included a burns ICU and medical equipment, was allocated ₹6.6 crore, but delays hindered its execution.
A second skin bank is also planned for the Government Medical College Hospital, Kottayam, alongside state-wide guidelines for establishing similar facilities.
Why Skin Banks Matter
Skin banks play a vital role in burn care, collecting, preserving, and transplanting donated skin tissue to treat severe burns. This reduces infection risks, saves lives, and prevents disfigurement. Minister George emphasized the need for public awareness campaigns to encourage skin donation.
Currently, burns units are operational in several medical colleges and hospitals across Kerala, including those in Thiruvananthapuram, Kottayam, and Ernakulam. The government has also expanded plastic surgery departments in Alappuzha, Kannur, and Kollam medical colleges, with plans to establish more burns units.
Focus on Standardised Burn Care
Efforts are underway to standardize burn treatment protocols and coordinate centrally sponsored schemes. Advanced burns ICUs are being developed to minimize infection and aid recovery for patients with burns exceeding 20%. The protocol is expected to be released within 15 days, according to the minister.