CK Birla Hospitals-CMRI Kolkata launches first bone bank in Eastern India

Bone banks play a critical role in modern surgical practice. They ensure the timely availability of safe, well-processed grafts that undergo stringent donor screening, microbiological testing, validated sterilisation, and traceability at every stage. By reducing dependence on autograft harvesting — a process associated with additional operative time, donor-site pain, limited graft volume, and increased morbidity — the Bone Bank at CMRI aims to improve surgical outcomes, operating-room efficiency, and patient recovery.

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The facility will provide a comprehensive range of graft types, including structural graft corticocancellous blocks, morselised grafts, and cancellous chips, enabling surgeons to select the most appropriate option based on clinical need. The availability of off-the-shelf grafts is expected to expand reconstructive options for patients undergoing tumour resections, complex fracture repairs, nonunion surgeries, spinal fusions, or deformity corrections.

Commenting on the clinical value of the new facility, the esteemed Dr. Rakesh Rajput, HOD & Director, Orthopaedics, CK Birla Hospitals – CMRI, Kolkata, says, “A dedicated Bone Bank is essential for advanced orthopaedic reconstruction. In cases such as complex fractures, nonunion, tumor resections, and deformity corrections, bone allografts allow us to restore structure and stability without subjecting patients to the added trauma of autograft harvesting. The advantages are significant — reduced operative time, lower perioperative morbidity, better graft volume availability, and improved overall outcomes. A well-run Bone Bank ensures each graft has undergone robust screening, standardised processing, sterilization, and documentation, giving surgeons the confidence to perform demanding procedures with precision. This initiative marks a major step toward expanding safe, ethical, and high-quality reconstructive care for patients in our region.”

Speaking about the launch, Mr. Sombrata Roy, Unit Head, CK Birla Hospitals – CMRI, Kolkata, says, “The Bone Bank reflects our commitment to developing strong clinical infrastructure that directly enhances patient care. A dependable supply of high-quality, regulated grafts reduces waiting periods, supports complex surgeries, and improves equity of access across Eastern India. This initiative reinforces CMRI’s focus on safe, ethical tissue procurement and utilisation delivered through standardised, patient-centred practices.”

The launch event was graced by esteemed Guests of Honour, including senior government leaders and national experts in public health and tissue banking. Shri N. S. Nigam, Principal Secretary, Health & Family Welfare Department, West Bengal; Dr. Swapan Saren, Director of Health Services, West Bengal; and Prof. (Dr.) Indrajit Saha, Director of Medical Education, West Bengal, Dr. Anirudha Neogi , Ex- Special Secretary Medical Education, offered their support and appreciation for CMRI’s pioneering step in musculoskeletal care. Their presence underscored the state’s commitment to strengthening regulated tissue banking, improving surgical readiness, and advancing ethical healthcare infrastructure across Eastern India. The presence of the two patients, highlighting the benefits of the bone bank, elevated the launch event.

A special acknowledgement was extended to Prof. (Dr.) Ajoy S. M, Senior Consultant at Ramaiah Medical College & Hospitals and Coordinator of the Ramaiah Tissue Bank, whose expert guidance was instrumental in the development for CMRI’s Bone Bank. His extensive experience in tissue banking and quality control played a vital role in shaping the facility’s operational framework and ensuring adherence to national standards.

The Bone Bank will also facilitate research, surgical training, and innovation within CK Birla Hospitals – CMRI. It will support resident education, simulation-based learning, and comparative research on graft performance and processing methods. With experienced personnel, validated protocols, and secure cold-chain management, the facility is poised to become a regional hub for safe and ethical bone procurement, processing, and distribution.

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