Covid-19: Plasma therapy to be made available free of cost, says Odisha CM

BHUBANESWAR: Chief minister Naveen Patnaik on Wednesday announced that Odisha will facilitate plasma therapy to the critically-ill Covid-19 patients free of cost.
“My government is committed to provide advanced medical care and treatment to the people infected with Covid-19 in Odisha. For me and my government, life of every person is precious and the state would do everything possible to save lives of our people. Plasma therapy will be made available free of cost to the people,” said Naveen while inaugurating the Covid Plasma Bank at the SCB Medical College, Cuttack through videoconferencing.
With total 77 Covid deaths, Odisha is the third state after Delhi and Maharashtra to start the plasma therapy for critically-ill patients.
On the occasion, the chief minister said his government would provide highest standards of medical care and treatment procedures for the Covid patients in the state.
“No person in Odisha would be deprived of access to latest medical technology. This is a solemn commitment of this government,” said the chief minister.
While SCB medical college will be the nodal agency for plasma therapy, three Covid hospitals—the SUM Hospital, KIMS Hospital in Bhubaneswar and Ashwini Hospital in Cuttack will facilitate plasma therapy treatment.
As state’s Covid-19 recovery rate crossed 10,000-mark on Wednesday, Naveen also lauded the doctors and medical personnel for their hard work in serving the people in these difficult times. “We need to encourage and boost their morale,” he underlined.
While congratulating the four donors, who have recovered and volunteered to contribute their plasma, Naveen appealed all eligible Covid survivors to come forward to donate their plasma saying it will go a long way in helping the treatment of serious Covid patients.
Chid Bhusan Panda, a paediatrician, Pankaj Kumar Behera, Manoj Kumar Baral and Abinash Rout are the first four plasma donors of Odisha.
“Despite being a doctor, I was infected with Covid-19. With the blessings of almighty and prayer of people, I have now fully recovered. I have decided to donate my plasma so that other critically-ill persons can recover from Covid,” said the paediatrician.
Twelve more recovered Covid patients including Salipur MLA Prasanta Behera have also come forward to donate their plasma.