Introduction
Burn injuries can have devastating physical and psychological impacts on patients, often leading to severe disfigurement and emotional distress. While modern plastic surgery offers advanced treatment options, the high cost makes it inaccessible for many, particularly in developing countries like Pakistan. However, recent developments in the local production of artificial skin have provided a new beacon of hope for burn patients. Pakistani doctors and scientists, through innovative research and collaboration, are working towards creating affordable, high-quality artificial skin that can significantly improve the quality of life for burn victims.
Psychological Impact on Burn Patients
You may have seen patients in hospitals suffering from burns due to fire. Their burnt faces become ugly, so they hide their face or body. Such patients become psychologically frustrated or depressed.
Advances in Plastic Surgery
Although plastic surgery has progressed a lot in the present era and the treatment of burnt patients is easy, but it costs a lot.
Financial Barriers to Treatment
Therefore, it has become a dream for patients in this homeland.
Local Production of Artificial Skin
There is a ray of hope for the patients burnt by the fire that the local Pakistanis Doctors and scientists have announced that they will mass-produce artificial skin in a personal laboratory.
Agreement Between University of Health Sciences and Associations
An agreement has been reached between the University of Health Sciences and two associations of Pakistan in this regard.
Cost Comparison: Imported vs. Local Artificial Skin
The first such artificial skin from abroad is calculated at 900 dollars (Rs. 127,440) per inch. Used to be imported, but now the same type of human skin can be produced in Pakistan for 1000 rupees.
Healing Potential for Extensive Burns
With this artificial skin, patients with extensive burns will be able to heal. They will also include those patients whose body has been burnt up to 70%.
Development and Implementation in Pakistan
The process of implanting artificial skin in place of human skin started in Pakistan for the first time locally in 2015, however it was done experimentally, now this skin is being developed on a large scale, benefiting a large number of patients.
Challenges and Mortality Rates
Prof. Javed Ikram, vice chancellor of the University of Health Science, while explaining the details, said that there are various causes of death by burning, including different types of infections, water leakage from the cells and minerals from the victim’s body.
Past Incidents Highlighting the Need
He recalled the oil tanker accident in Ahmedpur Sharqia and said that many deaths occurred in this accident only because artificial skin was not available in large numbers in our hospitals.
Quality and Comparisons with Imported Skin
The fact is that the skin that we will produce in Pakistan will prove to be better than the imported skin in many ways.
Methods of Skin Replacement
Explaining the methods of skin replacement, Professor Javed Akram said that there are two methods: one method is called technical and the other is regulatory.
Regulatory and Production Challenges
Dr. Javed Ikram also mentioned the obstacles that he faces in the production of artificial skin. The most significant challenge lies in navigating the rules and regulations.
Judicial Intervention and Progress
I am very grateful to the Supreme Court of Pakistan that it has taken suo moto action (judicial authority to take action against corruption if it sees any corruption, not to wait for someone else to file a claim) and constituted a committee.
Approval and Manufacturing Plans
The skin developed by Dr Javed Ikram and his colleagues has been sent to the Drug Regulatory Authority of Pakistan (DRAP) for co-registration.
Role of Lahore Jinnah Hospital and Dr. Rauf Ahmed
Dr. Rauf Ahmed, who works in this department of Lahore Jinnah Hospital, which is reserved for burn patients, has also played a very important role in the preparation of the mentioned skin.
Process of Creating Artificial Skin
In the first stage, the upper layer of the skin is cleaned with chemical ingredients, which is called ‘DE-EPIDERMALISATION’ in medical terms. In the second stage, the part of the patient’s body, which has been affected, is called ‘decellularization’.
Preservation and Application
According to Dr. Rauf Ahmed, artificial skin can be preserved in solid state for one year, while in cold storage it can be kept for six months.
Chemical Components and Cost Differences
Dr. Rauf Ahmed said that the question may arise in people’s minds that how did the Pakistani scientist develop this artificial skin cheaper than the American scientists? Actually, it is just the difference in the chemical components and chemical compounds.
Production Capabilities and Future Prospects
Explaining the details about the skin, Dr. Rauf said that we can produce a small piece of skin in eight days, because our laboratory is small, so now we can work on a small scale.
Machinery and International Standards
All the skins produced in our laboratory will be of international standards, whether it is eye tissue or kidney cells.
Timeline for Large-Scale Production
It is difficult to say how long it will take to produce artificial skin on a large scale, but when it does, it will. The price will be very low.
Conclusion
The local production of artificial skin in Pakistan marks a significant breakthrough in the treatment of burn injuries, offering a cost-effective alternative to expensive imported options. This development not only promises to enhance the survival and recovery rates of burn patients but also aims to alleviate the psychological burden associated with disfigurement. The collaborative efforts of Pakistani scientists, healthcare professionals, and regulatory bodies have paved the way for a brighter future for burn victims, demonstrating the potential of local innovation to address critical healthcare challenges. As production scales up and regulatory hurdles are overcome, this initiative holds the promise of transforming burn care in Pakistan and potentially beyond.