Odisha Becomes Third State To Use Plasma Therapy For COVID-19; To Offer It Free To Patients
In a good news for patients, Odisha government has decided to cover the cost of plasma therapy for COVID-19 patients as well donor's food and travel.
Even if some people can afford coronavirus tests, not all can afford the treatment. Hospital bills can easily run into lakhs, and perhaps it was with that in mind that the Odisha government announced it will provide plasma therapy, free of cost, to those with COVID-19.
After Delhi and Maharashtra, Odisha has become the third state in the country to introduce plasma therapy for treating serious COVID-19 patients.
Representational Image/PTI
Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik made the announcement and inaugurated the Plasma Bank at Srirama Chandra Bhanja (S.C.B) Medical College in Cuttack, through video conference. "This is more relevant when the vaccine for COVID-19 is only in its trial stage. This therapy is expected to be an effective tool in our fight against this global pandemic COVID-19. Our Government recognizes the hard work put in by the doctors and all medical personnel in Odisha in these difficult COVID times,¡± he reportedly said.
He further said, ¡°Our doctors in S.C.B Medical College, Cuttack have made Odisha proud by introducing this advanced medical procedure which is a frontier in the field of medicine.¡±
Also Read: Delhi Opens India's First Plasma Bank
Representational Image/AP
The chief minister also added that his government was committed to providing the highest standard of medical care and would make sure that no person is deprived of medical care.
The state is inviting recovered coronavirus patients to be plasma donors.
"Those who have been recovered, after 28 days they can donate plasma. We have launched a website for plasma therapy and donation,¡± India Today quoted Pradeepta Mohapatra (Addl Chief Secretary Health) as saying.
For the state government, one plasma therapy will cost Rs 9,100. The government intends to bear all expenses including food and travel of the donor.
Also Read: In Hyderabad, People Are Willing To Shell Out Lakhs Of Rupees For Plasma Donations
PTI
One plasma donor said, "I am feeling happy to donate my blood plasma to be used for other COVID-19 patients. I also appeal to others who have been cured to come forward and donate their blood plasma."
With this landmark step, the government can encourage more and more people to come forward and donate plasma.
Meanwhile the total number of cases in the state have crossed the 16,000-mark.
Also Read: To Increase Green Cover, Odisha Will Plant 13 Crore Saplings Over 1.30 Lakh Ha
