Islamabad’s Famous Hospital Launches Pakistan’s First Skin Bank for Burn Patients

In a major medical breakthrough, the Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (PIMS), Islamabad, has established the country’s first skin bank, a facility that promises to transform the treatment of burn victims nationwide.

The state-of-the-art center will allow doctors to culture a patient’s own skin in a laboratory for grafting — a method that is less painful, more effective, and more affordable than traditional procedures. Until now, surgeons typically relied on taking skin grafts from other healthy parts of the patient’s body, a process that was both invasive and limited in scope.

How the Skin Bank Works

Dr. Syed Mujahid Gilani, Head of the Burn Intensive Care Unit at PIMS, explained that skin banks function much like blood banks in other countries, ensuring life-saving grafts for patients with severe burns.

At PIMS, small samples of skin — about two centimeters — will be taken from stabilized patients roughly a week after injury. These samples will then be cultured at the Molecular Biology Department of Shaheed Zulfikar Ali Bhutto Medical University (SZABMU) and stored for later grafting.

“Patients with 80 to 100 percent burns need immediate grafts to heal quickly. Previously, we had no access to cultured skin. Now preparations are complete, and once we receive approval from the Drug Regulatory Authority of Pakistan (DRAP), we will begin applying it,” Dr. Gilani said.

He clarified that although often referred to as “synthetic skin,” donor tissue is still required, and compatibility with the patient’s blood group remains essential. Cultured skin can also be stored for up to five years, ensuring availability when emergencies strike.

Cost and Accessibility

Traditional burn dressings in Pakistan cost anywhere between Rs. 55,000 and Rs. 150,000, and require multiple replacements. In contrast, cultured skin will be more affordable and significantly reduce the need for repeated dressing changes, offering relief to patients already burdened by medical expenses.

Government Support and Inauguration

Federal Health Minister Syed Mustafa Kamal inaugurated the Stem Cell and Skin Bank at PIMS during a ceremony titled “From Trauma to Recovery: Elevating Burn Treatment Standards” held at the PIMS MCH Auditorium.

The minister pledged full government backing, assuring that DRAP will soon issue the required license to begin clinical applications. “The government is committed to providing immediate and quality care for burn patients and will continue to strengthen burn treatment facilities nationwide,” he said.

International and Local Recognition

The launch drew attention from global and local experts alike.

• Dr. Nikki Allorto, an international burn specialist from South Africa, stressed the importance of adhering to global treatment protocols and ensuring well-trained staff for improved patient recovery.

• Professor Dr. Abdul Khaliq hailed the establishment of the facility as a landmark achievement for Pakistan’s healthcare system.

Senior medical officials attending the ceremony included SZABMU Vice Chancellor Professor Dr. Tanvir Khaliq, PIMS Executive Director Professor Rana Imran Sikandar, and Professor Dr. S.H. Waqar.