VIMS, KIMS seek nod for plasma therapy

Basavaraj Kattimani | TNN | Apr 29, 2020, 04:00 IST

Hubballi: Convalescent plasma therapy reportedly showing positive results on Covid-19 patients in a Delhi hospital has prompted medical institutions in Karnataka to try the same as a treatment in their hospitals.
After Victoria Hospital in Bengaluru commenced clinical trials for plasma therapy, Karnataka Institute of Medical Sciences, (KIMS), Hubballi, and Vijayanagar Institute of Medical Sciences (VIMS), Ballari, too have sought ICMR nod to start the trials.
KIMS director Dr Ramlingappa Antartani said, “We are conducting 80 to 100 Covid-19 tests per day. As plasma therapy is showing good results on Covid-19 patients in a Delhi hospital, we are planning to begin clinical trials. We have submitted a proposal to the Indian Council of Medical Research seeking permission to begin the trials.”
Dr Antartani said KIMS has the facility to provide plasma therapy and will upgrade the same as per requirement. Two Covid-19 patients who were treated at KIMS have agreed to donate their plasma to be used as a treatment option, he added.
VIMS in Ballari too has sought permission from ICMR to start clinical trials for plasma therapy, said director Dr B Devanand. “If we get the approval, we will immediately start the trials,” he said, adding that the institute has the technical know-how and infrastructure to carry out plasma therapy.
Some districts in North Karnataka are worst hit by Covid-19. The number of positive cases is rising in Belagavi, Bagalkot, Vijayapura, Gadag, Kalaburagi and other districts with every passing day.