Plasma treatment at Manipal's Kasturba Hospital soon

Udupi: The district could be getting its own plasma collection and treatment centre to treat COVID-19 patients.

Kasturba Hospital at Manipal had applied three months ago for a permit to the Drug Controller General of India to conduct plasma treatment.

Hospital sources informed that they’re likely to receive the permission before the end of this month and are ready with the equipment and trained staff to conduct the treatment.

Plasma treatment is reported to be effective against the novel coronavirus. 80% of cases in Mumbai’s Dharavi recovered after undergoing the treatment. The treatment was also successful in Delhi. Many policemen who have recovered from the virus have already agreed to provide plasma, said Shashikiran Umakant, Nodal Officer, Dr TMA Pai Hospital.

Plasma composes 55% of the blood and carries important blood components and nutrients across the body.

There will be certain restrictions on the collection of plasma. Plasma can be donated within 14 to 28 days after recovery by a discharged patient. It will be collected from recovered people between the ages of 18 to 60 years. Women who have given birth to a child cannot donate plasma.