The National Burns Centre has highlighted a significant mismatch between the demand and supply of skin donations in the country. In Mumbai alone, the monthly requirement stands at nearly 150 skin grafts for burn patients, yet current donations fall drastically short of this need.
Low Awareness Driving the Shortage
Addressing the issue, Dr. Sunil Keswani, Director and plastic surgeon at the Navi Mumbai-based centre, pointed out that lack of awareness remains a major barrier.
“There is a huge shortage of skin in the country. In Mumbai itself, we need skin for 150 people every month who suffer from burn injuries. However, we only get skin donations from 30 people,” he said.
He further added that skin banks in the city receive only about 25% of the required donations each month.
Limited Infrastructure and Uneven Distribution
Currently, India has 35 skin banks equipped with advanced storage and harvesting facilities, with four located in Mumbai and Navi Mumbai. However, these centres are largely concentrated in the western and southern regions, leaving areas such as the northeast without access to such facilities. This uneven distribution further complicates timely treatment for burn patients.
Young Population Most Affected
Alarmingly, nearly 70% of burn patients fall within the 15–35 age group. The lack of access to timely skin transplantation places a heavy emotional and economic burden on both patients and their families.
As reported by Hindustan Times, Dr. Keswani emphasised that prompt access to skin grafts during the critical treatment window can significantly reduce complications, improve recovery, and lower mortality rates.
Understanding Skin Donation
Skin donation is a simple yet impactful process. It can be carried out within six hours of death, or up to 12 hours if the body is properly refrigerated. However, individuals must register with a local skin bank to become eligible donors.
Despite this, awareness remains low. Only about one in ten people are familiar with the process of skin donation. Additionally, around 70% of burn cases are linked to industrial hazards, further increasing the demand for grafts.
“This lack of awareness translates into only a fraction of burn survivors receiving skin transplants each year, which is very critical,” he emphasised.
Ongoing Awareness Efforts
To address this gap, the National Burns Centre in Airoli, Navi Mumbai, continues to actively promote awareness about skin donation. The institute conducts nearly 300 awareness programmes annually to encourage more people to register as donors.
Furthermore, the centre has established a dedicated helpline to guide individuals and provide accurate information about the donation process.
A Call to Bridge the Gap
Overall, the growing demand for skin grafts highlights an urgent need to improve awareness, expand infrastructure, and encourage voluntary donations. Increasing public participation can play a crucial role in saving lives and improving outcomes for burn survivors.