Bone Bank at Indore's MGM Medical College shuts over negligence

Indore: Madhya Pradesh has faced a setback in its medical services with the closure of the state’s first government-run bone bank at MGM Medical College due to negligence. This closure has deprived patients of access to vital bone transplants, denying them essential medical care.

Established in 2023, the bone bank was intended to serve as a key medical resource by storing donated bones and those removed during surgeries in a deep freezer at a temperature of -80°C. This cold storage process ensures the preservation of bones for future use in medical procedures.

However, the bone bank faced a major issue when the deep freezer, which is crucial for storing the bones at the required temperature, broke down within just six months of the facility’s launch. Authorities failed to repair the freezer on time, leading to the spoiling of 32 preserved bones. These bones were meant to be used for critical surgeries, including those for cancer patients and individuals with congenital deformities. 

Also Read: SCB Medical College and hospital to set up bone bank soon

Importance of Bone Banks

Bone banks are a critical resource in modern medical treatments, much like eye banks. Donated bones, or those extracted during surgeries, are carefully preserved in deep freezers at temperatures of -80°C. Before being stored, the bones undergo comprehensive antigen and infection screenings to ensure their safety. Within a six-month window, these bones can be used for a variety of medical purposes. In cases of trauma or accidents, when amputation is required, a bone bank can salvage and preserve the removed bones for later use, ensuring that they are not discarded, but instead used to save lives and improve patients' quality of life.

Also Read: Country in severe need of Bone Donors: AIIMS