- National Institute inaugurates country’s first Skin Bank.
- Facility aims to improve care for severe burn patients.
- Skin donations accepted from living and deceased donors.
- Advanced preservation techniques ensure graft viability.
- Experts call for increased public participation in skin donation.
On Sunday, February 16, 2025, the National Institute of Burn and Plastic Surgery in Dhaka inaugurated Bangladesh’s first Skin Bank. Professor Dr. Sayedur Rahman, Special Assistant to the Chief Advisor, led the ceremony. This initiative aims to enhance treatment for patients with severe burns.
The Skin Bank has already begun making a difference. Hamida, a two-year-old patient, received a skin transplant from the bank on January 14. Her mother, Rabeya Begum, shared that Hamida had suffered burns over 42% of her body due to a hot water accident on December 22. Post-transplant, Hamida’s infection began to subside, marking a significant improvement in her condition.
Similarly, eight-year-old Mariam benefited from the Skin Bank. She sustained burns on 22% of her body from a gas stove fire. Utilizing preserved skin from the bank, 779 square centimeters of her burned skin were treated. Her mother, Majema Begum, reported a notable improvement following the procedure.
How the Skin Bank Operates
Dr. Shawon Bin Rahman, a resident surgeon at the institute, explained the process: “In severe burn cases, patients lose vital elements like water, salt, and protein rapidly. When extensive burns prevent harvesting skin from the patient’s own body, preserved skin from the Skin Bank is utilized. This approach reduces mortality risk and promotes faster regeneration of new skin.”
Skin banking is a recognized medical procedure globally, with countries like Singapore, Thailand, and India having established such facilities years ago. The process involves collecting, preserving, and storing skin tissue for future grafting needs.
Skin Donation Process
Dr. Mahbub Hasan, the coordinator of the Skin Bank, highlighted that healthy individuals can donate skin multiple times during their lifetime. The procedure involves numbing specific areas with anesthesia and carefully extracting skin using a specialized dermatome instrument. Donors do not require hospitalization, and the harvested skin regenerates within 14 days.
For deceased donors, skin can be collected within 6 to 10 hours post-mortem, provided the body has been properly preserved. Typically, skin is harvested from the back and legs. Dr. Maruful Islam, Director of the National Burn Institute, emphasized that there are no legal restrictions on skin donation in Bangladesh. He assured that the preservation and transplantation processes are entirely safe.
A Game-Changer for Burn Treatment
Tamanna Sultana, head of the Skin Bank, explained its advanced preservation methods. Located in room 1239 of the Burn Institute, the facility uses eight specialized freezers. These freezers have cutting-edge technology to store donated skin. This system ensures a steady supply of viable skin grafts for patients who need them.
Experts say expanding the Skin Bank’s operations could greatly improve burn treatment in Bangladesh. More donors could make a huge difference in patient recovery. The medical community urges people to consider skin donation. It can save lives and help burn victims heal faster.
Bangladesh’s first Skin Bank is a major step forward in healthcare. It ensures better treatment for severe burn victims and raises awareness about skin donation. This initiative can create a lasting impact on patient recovery and public health.