Indore: Madhya Pradesh’s medical services have suffered a significant setback with the closure of the state’s first government-run bone bank at MGM Medical College due to negligence. This shutdown has deprived patients of essential bone transplants, affecting those in need of critical surgeries.
Established in 2023, the bone bank was designed to store donated bones and those removed during surgeries in a deep freezer at -80°C, ensuring their preservation for future medical use. However, just six months after its launch, the deep freezer malfunctioned, rendering the facility non-operational.
Authorities failed to repair the freezer in time, leading to the spoilage of 32 preserved bones that were meant for cancer patients, trauma victims, and individuals with congenital deformities. Despite the facility being non-functional for over 1.5 years, neither the dean nor the department head took action to restore operations, according to reports from the Free Press Journal.
Importance of Bone Banks
Bone banks play a vital role in modern medicine, similar to eye banks. Preserved bones undergo antigen and infection screenings before being stored and can be used within six months for treatments like bone grafts and joint replacements. In cases of accidents or amputations, bone banks help preserve and reuse bones, improving patients’ quality of life.
MGM Medical College Dean Dr. VP Pandey has assured that he will discuss the matter with the Head of the Department to address the issue. However, the delay has already deprived many patients of critical medical treatments, highlighting the urgent need to restore the facility.
