Bhubaneswar: Eastern India’s first government-run skin bank will be established at AIIMS-Bhubaneswar, Union Minister of Health Jagat Prakash Nadda, who is on a two-day visit to Odisha, announced on Saturday.
This facility will collect skin from donors within six hours of death and provide lifesaving skin grafts for acute burn patients, eliminating dependence on centres outside the state. “This will not only improve survival outcomes but also significantly enhance the quality of life for patients in Odisha and neighbouring states,” he said.
Nadda also inaugurated the state-of-the-art Central Research Laboratory, EHS Clinic and AMRIT pharmacy and laid the foundation stone for multiutility and gastronomy block, at the national institute in the city,
“This new research facility will be a catalyst for scientific discovery and translational research, especially in the Eastern region. It will open doors to pioneering treatments and improved healthcare outcomes,” said AIIMS-Bhubaneswar Executive Director Prof. (Dr.) Ashutosh Biswas.
Adding to the digital transformation of healthcare services, the Union Minister launched the revamped AIIMS Bhubaneswar website, equipped with user-friendly features and integrated services for patients and visitors. “The website proudly showcases Odisha’s rich cultural heritage while improving access to the institute’s healthcare facilities.”
He visited the Burn Centre, a one-of-its-kind facility in Eastern India and Swachhata Exhibition at the OPD foyer, Integrated Health & Wellness Clinic, Rheumatology & Geriatric Clinic, Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU), and planted a sapling at Smruti Upavan.
The visit concluded with a high-level review meeting where the Union Minister assessed ongoing developmental projects and interacted directly with medical students, sanitary staff, and employees.
