Mumbai: India is facing a significant shortage of skin donors, with a wide gap between supply and demand for treating burn victims, according to the National Burns Centre.
Speaking to reporters, Dr Sunil Keswani, Director of the Navi Mumbai-based centre, said the lack of awareness about skin donation is a major factor contributing to the crisis.
He pointed out that in Mumbai alone, there is a monthly requirement of skin grafts for around 150 burn patients. However, donations are received from only about 30 individuals, leaving a large number of patients without timely treatment.
“There is a huge shortage of skin in the country needed for transplantation in burn cases,” Dr Keswani said, highlighting the urgent need to increase awareness and encourage more people to come forward for skin donation.
Experts note that skin grafting plays a critical role in saving the lives of burn victims and aiding their recovery, making the shortage a serious public health concern.
