Coastal Karnataka’s first Skin Bank inaugurated at Kasturba Hospital
Rotary Club Manipal Town and Manipal Academy of Higher Education join hands to establish the ‘Rotary MAHE Skin Bank’
Manipal, Aug 21, 2021: Coastal Karnataka’s first Skin Bank was Inaugurated at Kasturba Hospital Manipal by Dr. Ranjan R Pai, Chairman of Manipal Education and Medical Group today.
Rotary Club Manipal Town and Manipal Academy of Higher Education have joined hands to establish the ‘Rotary MAHE Skin Bank’ at Kasturba Hospital, Manipal.
Rotary Club Manipal Town received the Rotary Foundation’s Global Grant of Rs 83 Lakhs to procure the equipment, and MAHE contributed Rs 50 Lakhs for the infrastructure.
Although several expensive skin substitutes are available in the market, human cadaveric skin is the best substitute for skin. By having a skin Bank at Kasturba hospital, the burn patients need not wait for 2-3 days of the crucial period to procure the skin from other parts of India
In his address, Dr. Ranjan Pai said the Skin Bank will help the burn victims of this region, especially the underprivileged people.
“Through skin grafting by utilizing the readily available skin in the skin bank, the patients will get the best care, and their quality of life and self-esteem will improve. When it comes to the sate of the art clinical care, MAHE has always been at the forefront. With this skin Bank, MAHE clinicians will demonstrate their astute skillsets in treating burn victims. I congratulate Rotary and MAHE team, who have made this possible,” he said.
Dr. NC Sreekumar, Professor and Head, Department of Plastic Surgery, KMC Manipal, explained the need and usefulness of Skin Bank at Kasturba Hospital, Manipal.
“In the cases of major burn wounds, i.e., more than 30-40% wound, patient’s own skin is not sufficient to save him. Although several expensive skin substitutes are available in the market, human cadaveric skin is the best substitute for skin. By having a skin Bank at Kasturba hospital, the burn patients need not wait for 2-3 days of the crucial period to procure the skin from other parts of India,” he said.
He added that the availability of skin is also an issue.
“By having our own skin back, we can start treatment quickly and reduce pain and even save lives” he added.
Rotary District Governor MG Ramachandra Murthy was the Chief Guest. Along with Sadananda Chatra, Rajaram Bhat, and Ganesh Nayak, he handed over the Skin Bank equipment to MAHE.
On behalf of MAHE, Dr. HS Ballal- Pro-Chancellor, Lt. Gen. (Dr) MD Venkatesh- Vice-Chancellor, and CG Muthana- Chief Operating Officer of Kasturba Hospital, Manipal received the equipment.
Dr. Sunil Keswani, Director of National Burns Centre and Skin Bank, Navi Mumbai who was one of the guests said the bank would help in saving many lives.
“My best wishes to KMC Manipal and Rotary Club Manipal Town on this historic occasion,” he said.
Chief Guest of the function Lt Gen (Dr) MD Venkatesh, said that with the establishment of Rotary MAHE Skin Bank, MAHE has added the responsibility of making skin available for major burns patients of this region.
Dr. HS Ballal who presided over the event stressed organ donation as it would make a difference.
“We have a full-fledged Burns Unit with 18 beds under Plastic Surgery Dept. To support this, Skin Bank is a must because almost all burns patients require skin grafting later. Think of Organ and tissue donation not as a duty but as a privilege. Pledging your organs and tissues is not just about making a donation. It is about making a difference.”
Sesappa Rai read the messages of major contributors, Dr. Vasantha Prabhu and Dinesh Nayak of the USA, and the message of Gulam A Vahanvaty, trustee of The Rotary Foundation.
President of Rotary Club Manipal Town Ganesh Nayak welcomed the gathering, Dr. Avinash Shetty, Medical Superintendent of Kasturba Hospital, Manipal proposed the vote of thanks. Dr. Raviraja N S, Director-Corporate Relations, MAHE, presented the program.
ROTARY -MAHE Skin Bank Helpline Number – 09686676564
