BENGALURU, 8 JULY

For a population of at least 13.3 crores, the State has only two hospitals, which have burn units. Mahabodhi Burn Centre, a unit of Victoria Hospital, and St John’s Medical College and Hospital, are taking all the burden of injury cases over decades. Victoria Hospital and St John’s College get at least 30 and three patients every day respectively.

A patient, Gyanappa, received 22 per cent burn and travelled from Koppal due to the lack of burn units in the district. “The family members have to sleep on the footpath as they have no money,” said Gyanappa’s attendant.

As per Mahabodhi Centre, 203 male patients, 96 female and 138 children were admitted to the hospital this year. Thirty-three children were admitted and four deaths were recorded in the last month. “About 85 per cent of fire burn cases are preventable,” said Dr Smitha Segu, Professor and Head of the plastic surgery unit. She said 50 per cent of patients have been admitted due to gas cylinder busts. Victoria Hospital is also looking for one more ICU unit, a source told Salar News.

Shortage of staffs

“Despite facilities such as expandable beds, the lack of enough nurses creates problems,” said Dr Yogishwarappa CN, Prof and HOD, Bangalore Medical College. Only nine nurses are burdened to look after 25-30 patients. Out of 50 Group D members, 30 members were shifted to other hospitals. “Pregnant nurses who might have a risk of infection from the patients also work out of concern,” a staff said. At St John’s Hospital the bed strength is limited to six.

Finances are a major issue

According to one staff Victoria Hospital did not receive any fund since 2020 under State National Programme for Prevention & Management of Trauma Care. Dr Yogishwarappa told Salar News, “If we get funds we can introduce a robotic system that can be used for non-contact bathing.”

Awareness of Skin donation required

During burn injuries, one way to promote healing is by covering the wound with donor skin. Victoria Hospital, India's second-largest skin bank provides free skin to Andhra Pradesh, Bhopal, Bhubaneswar, Tamil Nadu, and Karnataka. Dr Nagaraj BN, Skin Bank Coordinator said, “Due to lack of knowledge maximum four people donate their skin in a month.” They have 4,000 sq centimetre of skin which is ready to be donated. —Salar News