Step forward and donate plasma; urges MSMA
Renuka Suryavanshi
Pune city for the last few months is facing acute shortage of plasma donors. This has led to a rise in patients’ family members running from pillar to post, most of the time putting their patients life in danger too. To bridge the gap between the donors and donee, Pune based Maharashtra Social Media Association (MSMA) decided to run the campaign and become a link between the two. Since the past two weeks, the members have helped more than 700 people across the state by providing them with the plasma.
A lot of Covid19 positive patients are advised convalescent plasma therapy by doctors treating such patients. It has become an integral part of treatment for any Covid19 patients.
Rachana Patil, founder member, Shriniwas Patil Foundation, which runs MSMA informed Pune Pulse that everyday thousands of people called up our members seeking help for plasma spread across Maharashtra. So, we decided to take up the task and help people. We are grateful that people have come forward in donating plasma. There is still a long way to go as more education in plasma donation is needed. People who have recovered completely should voluntarily come ahead and donate plasma and save at least one life.
Sameer Punjabi, vice president, Maharashtra Social Media Association speaking about the plasma donation drive said, “As an active social worker, I was flooded with many calls asking for help in arranging Remdesivir injections, beds and plasma. I saw many among my friends circle too facing severe shortage. That is how we started connecting the dots by keeping a record of people around us who had tested positive and recovered fully and convinced them to donate plasma. So far we have helped many people from across Maharashtra in arranging donors. We have been greatly supported by Noble Hospital in Pune for this endeavour.”
Dr S K Raut, director, Noble Hospital and Noble Hospital Blood center told Pune Pulse, “There is no awareness of plasma donation despite the high demand for treating Coronavirus patients. But MSMA’s efforts are strong and several people have benefited from it. We hope that more people who have recovered should come forward and donate plasma. Before a recovered patient comes for plasma donation he undergoes several tests such as Titar test, serum protein and Haemogram. He should be healthy and should have weight above 55 kgs and age below 55 years. ”
Adnan Arab, a resident of Ganj Peth said, “I had posted requirement for plasma for my sister. The timely help from Sameer Punjabi, has put my sister out of danger. Though she is still in hospital but her condition is stable now.”
Know all about Plasma Donation
What is Convalescent plasma ?
Plasma is the yellow, liquid part of blood that contains antibodies. Antibodies are proteins made by the body in response to infections. Convalescent plasma from patients who have already recovered from coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) may contain antibodies against COVID-19. Giving this convalescent plasma to hospitalized people currently fighting COVID-19 may help them recover. FDA has issued an emergency use authorization for convalescent plasma to be used in hospitalized COVID-19 patients and is being investigated for the treatment of COVID-19. Based on scientific evidence available, the FDA concluded this product may be effective in treating COVID-19 and that the known and potential benefits of the product outweigh the known and potential risks of the product in hospitalized COVID-19 patients.
Who can donate plasma ?
Donors need to have tested negative for Covid19 and recovered from the illness.
No symptoms in the last 14 days. The donors need to have high antibody levels in their plasma.
A donor and the patient must have compatible blood group
Who cannot donate Plasma ?
- Women who have never been pregnant
- People who have been vaccinated
- Lack of sufficient antibodies in the body
