Perhaps it will help if a celebrity, like a film star or sportsperson, becomes the brand ambassador for skin donation. We have seen that eye donation got a fillip, and there was much more awareness, when Aishwarya Rai lent her name to the cause.

Along with the celebrity aspect, it is vital that religious figures are roped in to endorse donation. In India, religion plays a huge part and there are several myths associated with organ donation. One that has found traction is the myth that one who donates an organ will have to go without it in the next life. With skin donation in particular, there is the belief that the body will be mutilated and therefore, in many cases, family members do not allow the donation after the death of the person who has pledged his skin.

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There is also the need for more facilities for burns patients, especially for families struggling with medical costs and lack of specialised care. The quality of care in burns wards needs to go up, as does the level of training to deal with patients.

In the end, myth busting, proper information, public response and the all-important religious aspect need to be addressed, for a multi-pronged strategy to up the numbers when it comes to skin donation.