Daijiworld Media Network - Udupi (SP)
Udupi, Aug 2: Even though skin banks have already been functioning at global level, Karnataka will have its first ever skin bank soon. Skin banks stock different types of skins and provide them whenever there is need for skin for skin grafting.
The new skin bank, which would be setup with the support of Rotary Club, would be known with the name, 'Rotary Mahe Skin Bank Manipal'.
As of now, the biggest skin bank of the country is located at Airoli, Mumbai. Chennai got skin bank last year. There are no other skin banks in south India. The concept of Mahe vice chancellor, Dr H Vinod Bhat and research director, Dr N Udupa, was supported by Rotary Club Manipal Town. Dinesh Nayak, a native of Patla Pernankila and active member of Rotary movement, and another Rotarian, Dr Vasanth Prabhu, currently located at Pennsylvania, provided guidance and financial support. While Dinesh Nayak secured financial support of Rs 47 lac, Dr Vasanth Prabhu got assistance of Rs 16 lac from Central Chester County Rotary Club. Sadananda Chatra has provided Rs 14 lac from district fund. Rotary has totally provided Rs 80 lac for the project.
Out of Rs 1.5 crore project, Rs 50 lac has been met by Mahe University. It has also provided Rs 24 lac to Rotary Foundation. Chancellor of the university, Dr Ramdas M Pai, pro chancellor, Dr H S Ballal, vice chancellor, Dr H Vinod Bhat and others have played stellar role in conceptualization and envisioning.
Skin Bank maintenance costs about Rs 30 to 40 lac per year. The hospital needs incubator, testing machine, and equipment to maintain -20 degree Celsius temperature which have to be imported from USA. Besides, two ambulances would be required.
Skin is needed in cases of burn injuries, large wounds, explosions during war etc where new skin cannot grow. For this purpose, skin has to be processed within six hours of a person's death and kept in storage within 24 hours. It can be used for up to five years from the date of harvesting. Anyone except small children and those suffering from serious diseases can donate skin. Donors play a very important role in the success of any skin bank.