The project of skin bank is still in preparation. The biggest preparation has been in the awareness program without which we will not get any donors. Several awareness programs have been conducted in Kathmandu and Pokhara. 

We are developing collaboration with the Tilganga Eye Donation Program which has been in operation for many years now with great success. The pledge form for Eye Donation will also contain option for Skin Donation and similarly the pledge form for Skin Donation will also contain the option for Eye Donation.

Procurement and furnishing of Skin Bank: A refrigerator has already been procured and has been in use to store Amniotic membranes harvested from the placenta from C Section at Kirtipur Hospital and for storing skin from burn patients (excess skin grafts or grafts harvested to be applied later within a week). A cheaper electric dermatome manufactured in India has already been tested by our burn team and is going to be procured soon. The procurement of a Biosafety Cabinet (with UV light sterilization and laminar air flow) and a shaker is in the final stage of procurement after scrutiny for comparative prices and quality from the procurement office of Public Health Concern Trust-Nepal.

Public Health Concern Trust-Nepal has already trained three surgeons and two other health professionals in Skin Banking in two different Skin Banks of India. A medical technician will be trained to help in running the skin bank. A team of at least 3 people with doctors, nurses and paramedics will be put ‘on call’ for every day to attend the call for skin harvesting. A box containing essential equipment and supplies for skin harvesting e.g. dermatome, betadine solution, surgical instruments, sterile gowns, towels, gloves, masks, caps, sterile containers for transporting skin grafts.

Currently, the skin bank is used to store extra skin harvested from patients receiving treatment at the Center, as well as, amniotic membranes obtained from placentas at the time of deliveries.

Harvest kits have been developed and are ready for performing the cadaver skin harvest.

Skin donation forms have been created and are available for use. Many people have completed pledge forms to be prospective skin donors.

Awareness programs have been presented with the Rotary and Lions clubs and other social and religious organizations. The Center is networking with the Eye Bank Team at the Tilganga Eye Hospital. The corneal harvest team asks the family of the deceased if they are also willing to donate skin as well as corneas.

Families are approached at cremation sites, asking if they are willing to donate skin of the deceased prior to cremation.

The Center is awaiting the first call for skin harvest.