New Delhi: Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal on Thursday announced the launch of the country’s first plasma bank to treat coronavirus patients in Delhi. He said that the plasma bank is now operational at the Institute of Liver and Biliary Sciences in South Delhi.
Kejriwal appealed to recovered people to donate their plasma for COVID-19 patients. He said, “The plasma bank will only be successful when people would come forward and donate the plasma for patients.”
“Those aged between 18 and 50 and weighing not less than 50 kg can donate their plasma for COVID-19 patients. However, women who have given birth or the persons with comorbidities, are not eligible to donate plasma,” he said.
Plasma therapy is considered effective for people struggling to cope with coronavirus. It involves injection of blood-component plasma extracted from a cured patient to a positive coronavirus case.
The plasma extracted from a cured patient is considered to be having virus fighting antibodies. It strengthens the immunity of the person getting the plasma.
The CM also released a helpline number and a WhatsApp number for people willing to donate plasma. “If you are eligible and willing to donate plasma, then you may call us at 1031 or you can WhatsApp us at 8800007722. Our doctors will then get in touch with you to further confirm your eligibility,” he said.