Plasma therapy for critically-ill to be free of cost: CM

Bhubaneswar: Chief minister Naveen Patnaik on Wednesday said the state will facilitate plasma therapy for the critically-ill Covid patients free of cost.
“My government is committed towards providing 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 will do everything possible to save lives. Plasma therapy will be made available free of cost to the people,” said Naveen while inaugurating the state’s first plasma bank at SCB Medical College, Cuttack, through video-conference.
Odisha, which has reported 77 Covid deaths so far, is the third state after Delhi and Maharashtra to start plasma therapy for the critically-ill.
The chief minister said his government would provide the highest standards of medical care and treatment for Covid patients. “No one in Odisha will be deprived of access to latest medical technology. This is a solemn commitment of this government,” Naveen added.
While SCB Medical College will be the nodal agency for plasma therapy, three Covid hospitals – SUM Hospital, KIMS Hospital (both in Bhubaneswar) and Ashwini Hospital in Cuttack will facilitate plasma therapy treatment.
As the state’s Covid-19 recovery crossed the 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 four former patients who have recovered from Covid and volunteered to donate their plasma, Naveen appealed to all eligible Covid survivors to come forward and donate their plasma saying it will go a long way in helping the treatment of serious patients.
Chid Bhusan Panda, a paediatrician, Pankaj Kumar Behera, Manoj Kumar Baral and Abinash Rout are the first plasma donors in the state.
“Despite being a doctor, I was infected with Covid-19. With the blessings of the almighty and prayer of the 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 patients including Salipur MLA Prasanta Behera have also come forward to donate their plasma.
EoM