Organ donation is itself a new concept, but awareness about skin donation is yet to catch up. Since 2016, the Karnataka’s only skin bank had only 142 donations followed by the set up in association with Rotary Ashirvad, they have barely met the 54% of the demand by patients. Stigma and lack of awareness are the major factors affecting the donation rates, with several doctors stating that people feel that skin donation will disfigure them.

K.T. Ramesh, Head of the Department of Plastic Surgery at Bangalore Medical College and Research Institute (BMCRI) stated that the skin bank is a blessing for patients as there is no blood group matching required for skin grafting. Anyone above the age of 18 with no prior diagnosed disease or infection can donate skin.

Senior nursing officer Nagaraj B.N stated that many times, families of people who have pledged do not inform the hospital about their demise. Also, BMCRI has roped in film actors to spread awareness and popularise the concept of skin donation. However, the promotions were stopped due to pandemic situations, although general awareness programs and social media promotions were being conducted. 

Source: The Hindu