image credits: Ministry of Health
Union Health Minister Jagat Prakash Nadda announced the establishment of eastern India’s first government-run skin bank at Odisha’s AIIMS Bhubaneswar. This pioneering facility will collect skin from donors within six hours of death, preserving it for grafts to treat severe burn patients. Until now, Odisha and neighbouring states relied on skin banks in Mumbai and Bengaluru, often delaying critical treatment. The new facility promises to bridge this gap, offering timely interventions that enhance survival rates.
How this Skin Bank will Transform Burn Care?
Burn injuries pose significant challenges, requiring specialized care to prevent infections and support recovery. The skin bank at AIIMS Bhubaneswar will serve as a vital resource, providing grafts that act as temporary coverings for burn wounds, promoting healing and reducing complications. “This initiative will not only save lives but also restore hope for countless patients across eastern India,” said Nadda during his visit. By localizing access to skin grafts, the facility eliminates logistical hurdles.
AIIMS Bhubaneswar as the Hub of Innovation
Alongside the skin bank, Nadda inaugurated a state-of-the-art Central Research Laboratory at AIIMS Bhubaneswar, designed to drive medical innovation. Dr. Ashutosh Biswas, Executive Director, emphasized its role in nurturing scientific discovery. “The laboratory will empower researchers to develop cutting-edge treatments, strengthening healthcare outcomes,” he stated. This facility aims to place AIIMS Bhubaneswar among India’s premier medical research hubs, benefiting not only Odisha but the entire eastern region.
The minister also laid the foundation stone for a multi-utility and gastronomy block, a modern complex to serve students, faculty, staff, and visitors. This project will centralize essential amenities. Additionally, Nadda launched a revamped AIIMS Bhubaneswar website, blending user-friendly healthcare services with Odisha’s cultural heritage. The portal simplifies access to medical facilities & patient-centred care. Other inaugurations included the EHS Clinic and AMRIT Pharmacy.
J. P. Nadda’s Visit to AIIMS Bhubaneswar
Nadda’s visit extended beyond inaugurations. He toured the advanced Burn Centre, Integrated Health and Wellness Clinic, Rheumatology and Geriatric Clinic, and Neonatal Intensive Care Unit of AIIMS Bhubaneswar. His participation in the Swachhata Exhibition and tree-planting at Smruti Upavan highlighted the institute’s dedication to cleanliness.
The skin bank and accompanying developments signal a new era for AIIMS Bhubaneswar. Dr. Biswas expressed gratitude for the government’s support, stating, “Under the guidance of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Minister Nadda, we are setting new benchmarks in patient care and innovation.” The institute’s efforts align with a broader vision of accessible, high-quality healthcare.
