29 patients given plasma in state so far; five cured, 15 improving fast
Bhubaneswar: As many as 29 Covid patients have been given plasma therapy in the state so far. While five persons are already been cured, 15 others are improving fast.
Five patients, who had received plasma, have died.
Till the reports came, eight plasma units were issued to Ashwini Hospitals, six units to SUM Hospital, 12 units to KIMS, nine units to Ganjam, two units to Tata Steel Medica, Jajpur, one unit each to Hi-Tech, Rourkela, Sparsh Hospital and Apollo Hospital.
A student of SCB Medical College and Hospital, Cuttack, who has recovered from Covid-19, donated plasma on Wednesday. She is the first female plasma donor of the state, said sources in the health and family welfare department.
Four personnel of Odisha Police also donated plasma on Wednesday at SCB Medical College and Hospital. Plasma therapy has been started in the state since July 15. So far, more than 50 people have donated plasma.
Pankaj Kumar Parida, head of transfusion medicine department, SCB Medical College, said the plasma of a Covid recovered patient has antibodies to fight against SARS-CoV-2. “If we give this plasma to a serious patient, the antibodies in the plasma try to neutralize the virus in the patient’s body. It is working well and many patients are benefitting,” he added.
The government has created a portal in which Covid-19 patients, who have recovered, can voluntarily register to donate plasma.
The state government has planned to open three more plasma banks at IGH, Rourkela, VIMSAR, Burla and MKCG Medical College and Hospital, Berhampur.
Chief secretary Asit Tripathy had recently said the state government would intensify awareness drive to promote plasma donation.