Media Release
Udupi, Aug 21: Coastal Karnataka’s first-ever skin bank was inaugurated by Dr Ranjan R Pai, chairman of Manipal Education and Medical Group. Rotary Club Manipal Town and Manipal Academy of Higher Education (MAHE) partnered to establish ‘Rotary MAHE Skin Bank’ at Kasturba Hospital, Manipal. Rotary Club Manipal Town received Rotary Foundation’s Global Grant for Rs 83 lac to procure the equipment, and MAHE contributed Rs 50 lac for the infrastructure creation.
While inaugurating the Rotary MAHE Skin Bank, Dr Ranjan Pai said, “This 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. MAHE has always been at the forefront when it comes to the delivery of state of the art clinical care, and 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.”
Dr NC Sreekumar, professor and head, department of Plastic Surgery, KMC Manipal, explained the need and usefulness of skin bank at Kasturba Hospital, Manipal. He said, “In the cases of major burn wounds, i.e., more than 30-40% wound, patients own skin is not sufficient to save them. 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. 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.”
Rotary district governor Rtn PHF MG Ramachandra Murthy, chief guest of the function, said, “This year’s theme of Rotary is ‘Serve to Change Lives’. Rotary MAHE joint venture is offering skin bank to the community to changes the lives of people. Thanks to the Rotary Foundation, MAHE and Rotary International District 3182 and all involved in this project.” Along with Rtn Sadananda Chatra, Rtn Rajaram Bhat and Rtn 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.
One of the guests of honour, Dr Sunil Keswani, director of National Burns Centre and Skin Bank, Navi Mumbai, said, “It is indeed a momentous day for Karnataka that a skin bank has come up in Manipal. This is going to save many lives. My best wishes to KMC Manipal and Rotary Club Manipal Town on this historic occasion.”
Speaking during the occasion, the chief guest of the function Lt Gen (Dr) MD Venkatesh, said “With the establishment of Rotary MAHE Skin Bank at MAHE, we have the added responsibility of making skin available for major burns patients of this region. Let us work on war footing to create awareness among people to donate skin and maintain adequate stock in our skin bank. Through the philanthropic activity of Rotary, we are able to accomplish this, and I am thankful to all who have contributed to establishing this skin bank.
President of the function Dr HS Ballal said, “We have full-fledged burns unit with 18 beds under Plastic Surgery department. 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.”
Rtn PHF Sesappa Rai read the messages of major contributors, Rtn Dr Vasantha Prabhu and Rtn Dinesh Nayak of USA; and message of Rtn Gulam A Vahanvaty, trustee of The Rotary Foundation. President of Rotary Club Manipal Town Rtn. Ganesh Nayak welcomed the gathering, and Dr Avinash Shetty, medical superintendent of Kasturba Hospital, Manipal rendered the vote of thanks. Rtn Dr Raviraja N S, director-corporate relations, MAHE, presented the programme.
Rotary MAHE Skin Bank helpline number – 09686676564