Army Hospital (Research and Referral), New Delhi announced the opening of a state-of-the-art skin bank facility on June 18, 2024, the first of its kind to be set up within the Armed Forces Medical Services. This landmark initiative aims to revolutionise the treatment of Army personnel and their families suffering from severe burns and other skin-related ailments.
The new skin bank will serve as a centralised hub for the collection, processing, storage and distribution of skin grafts, providing a vital resource for military medical centres across the country. By setting up this facility, the armed forces are ensuring that personnel and their families have access to the most advanced skin replacement treatments.
This skin bank will be staffed by a team of highly trained medical professionals, including plastic surgeons, tissue engineers and specialized technicians. The facility will follow the highest standards of quality control and safety, ensuring the strength and reliability of skin grafts.
DGMS (Army) and Colonel Commandant Lt Gen Arindam Chatterjee described the launch of the skin bank as a testimony to the unwavering commitment of the Army personnel towards their health and well-being. He said that this facility will not only enhance the quality of care but will also strengthen the capacity to assist those affected with serious injuries.
Lieutenant General Ajith Neelakantan, Commandant, Army Hospital (R&R), said, “Having a dedicated resource for skin tissue allows us to provide the most effective and personalised treatment to our patients, ultimately improving their chances of recovery and rehabilitation.