Pimpri: More than 9,000 patients have overcome coronavirus pandemic in the city. However, the rate of plasma donation is very low. So far, only 38 people have donated plasma, benefiting 35 critically ill patients in the city. There are some rumours about the donation, that it is extremely fearful and ignorant even among patients and citizens as a result plasma therapy cannot be used on patients here.
Plasma is isolated from the blood of a patient who has recovered from the COVID-19 infection. Plasma fights antibodies in the patient's body as well as viruses. This plasma is then released into the body of an urgent or needy corona infected patient. Plasma produces cells in the patient's body that fight the coronavirus. Thus, it helps the patient to recover faster.
Yashwantrao Chavan Memorial Hospital (YCMH) in Pimpri Chinchwad Municipal Corporation's limit has so far treated 35 COVID-19 patients with plasma therapy. The 35 patients treated have recovered.
Dr Vinayak Patil, Medical Officer attached to the Health Department of PCMC talking to Sakal Times said, “Patients have unreasonable fears and ignorance about plasma. They need to be aware of that. Many are afraid to give their plasma. Donating plasma does not cause any injury nor led to any grievances. It is harmless to the body's immune system. Also, donating plasma can save a person's life. Therefore, if the number of plasma donors’ increases, it will benefit the critically ill patients as citizens need to come forward with plasma donations without any misunderstanding and donate on humanity grounds.”
