Turkey initiates nationwide tissue and cell preservation system

In a significant step forward for healthcare in Turkey, the Turkish Health Ministry has announced the creation of a nationwide skin and tissue bank system. This initiative, similar to a blood bank, marks a first in the country and aims to revolutionize the treatment of severe burns and emergency situations.

The skin and tissue laboratory in Adana, the country's largest such facility, has been operating under the coordination of the Health Ministry. Heading the Skin and Tissue Center in Adana is Prof. Dr. İsmail Demirkol. Until now, localized initiatives for skin donation have been carried out at some university hospitals in Turkey.

The launch of this nationwide system is a response to the need to eliminate the reliance on imported tissue and cell products for surgical and medical treatments. The system is designed to meet patients' needs through the manufacture of personalized tissue and cell products.

The skin and tissue bank system will expand the availability of skin grafts for patients with extensive burns, a critical resource in treating such cases. Skin preserved at the Adana laboratory can be stored for two to five years and used for grafts in patients with extensive burns.

Another key focus of cell and tissue transplants in Turkey is skin donation, which remains among the least common types of organ donations. The use of locally manufactured products derived either from patients' own tissues and cells or from suitable donors minimizes the risk of immune rejection, potentially boosting treatment success rates.

All production, application, and treatment processes will be digitally monitored, ensuring transparency and efficiency. The use of locally manufactured products is expected to not only improve treatment success rates but also advance Turkey's position in treatments involving stem cell transplants, with many international patients also accepted.

The creation of this nationwide skin and tissue bank system will take place at high-security facilities. Skin donation at the nationwide system will be conducted under strict biosafety standards. The Turkish Health Ministry's statement indicates that the system will enable the manufacture of these future therapies at home.

The initiative at high-security facilities is a significant step towards self-sufficiency in medical treatments, reducing the need for imports and ensuring a steady supply of critical resources for patients in need. This move is expected to improve the quality of life for many burn victims and contribute to Turkey's growing reputation as a healthcare hub.