GMC conducts plasma therapy on two patients

Tribune News Service

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Amritsar, June 24

In a first, Government Medical College (GMC), Amritsar, today started a trial to treat Covid patients with the convalescent plasma therapy.

Under the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) certified yet unproven treatment, the antibody-rich blood plasma of patients who have recovered from Covid is preserved for transfusion into moderately-ill patients.

Dr Sujata Sharma, MS (Principal), GMC, Amritsar, said two recipients — one from Pathankot and the other from Amritsar — were administered the treatment during the early hours today. A recovered patient hailing from the Chheharta area had volunteered to donate the plasma.

She said: “A follow-up on the patients’ condition will be done. Since the GMC is also enrolled by the ICMR under its pan-India project, a cumulative report will be submitted. The therapy is basically a randomised control trial to limit Covid-associated complications through plasma which is administered under strictly laid down conditions on moderately-ill patients only.” Dr Sharma said an injection, which cost around Rs 50,000 in the market, was also being tried on patients. “The government has provided the injection free of cost to us. We are observing the results,” she said.

Ironically, in Amritsar, which has close to 800 Covid-positive cases and at least 500 recoveries, the authorities of the GMC are struggling to find plasma donors.

It is learnt that the hospital has on its list over 20 persons who could donate their plasma, but despite repeated calls, only a few responded. Dr Sharma said efforts were on to convince the donors. “We have been motivating the identified patients who successfully recovered from Covid,” she said.