In Mumbai alone, the monthly requirement for skin grafts for burn victims stands at nearly 150, while actual donations fall drastically short. The centre receives skin donations from only about 30 individuals per month, meeting barely 25 percent of the demand.
Dr. Sunil Keswani, Director and plastic surgeon at the National Burns Centre based in Navi Mumbai, highlighted that lack of awareness continues to be the primary obstacle in bridging this gap. He stated that the shortage is severe across the country, with Mumbai alone requiring skin grafts for around 150 burn patients every month.
He further noted that the available donation rate remains critically low compared to the requirement, creating a persistent shortfall in life-saving treatment resources.
India currently operates 35 skin banks equipped with advanced harvesting and storage facilities. Of these, four are located in Mumbai and Navi Mumbai. However, these facilities remain concentrated largely in western and southern India, leaving regions such as the northeast without adequate access, further complicating emergency treatment for burn victims.
Medical data indicates that nearly 70 percent of burn patients fall within the 15 to 35 age group, intensifying the social and economic impact on affected families. Delays in access to skin grafts during critical treatment periods significantly increase complications, mortality risk, and recovery time.
Skin donation is described as a simple medical procedure that can be carried out within six hours of death, or up to 12 hours if the body is properly refrigerated. However, donor registration with an authorised skin bank remains mandatory for eligibility.
Despite its importance, awareness levels remain extremely low, with only about one in ten individuals aware of the skin donation process. Additionally, nearly 70 percent of burn injuries are linked to industrial accidents, further increasing the demand for grafts across treatment centres.
Dr. Keswani emphasised that only a small fraction of burn survivors receive timely skin transplants due to the shortage, underscoring the critical need for improved awareness and participation.
To address the gap, the National Burns Centre in Airoli, Navi Mumbai, is actively conducting awareness campaigns, organising nearly 300 programmes annually to encourage voluntary skin donation registration. The centre has also established a dedicated helpline to provide guidance and accurate information regarding the donation process.
Health experts have warned that without increased public participation, expansion of infrastructure, and improved awareness, the gap between demand and supply of skin grafts will continue to endanger the lives of burn patients across the country.
The crisis highlights an urgent need for systemic intervention to strengthen donation networks and ensure timely medical intervention for thousands suffering from severe burn injuries.
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