Delhi to try out plasma therapy on critical Covid-19 patients

New Delhi, April 15 (IANS): Plasma therapy will be used for the treatment of critical coronavirus patients here on a trial basis, Delhi Lt. Governor Anil Baijal said on Wednesday.

“Delhi to use plasma technique for treatment on (a) trial basis to save the life of critical Covid-19 patients,” Baijal said in a tweet.

According to a statement from the Raj Niwas, S.K. Sarin, Director, ILBS informed Baijal that the Delhi government has got approval to use convalescent plasma technique on a trial basis to save the life of serious patients of Covid-19.

Delhi government will be deploying it as per the protocol of the Union Ministry of Health & Family Welfare, Sarin said.

In convalescent plasma therapy, the antibodies of a person who has recovered from the virus are taken and transfused into a sick person (having the virus) to help boost the person’s immune system.

Baijal on Wednesday held a meeting to review Covid-19 Patient Management in Delhi. Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, his deputy Manish Sisodia and Health Minister Satyendar Jain, and Chief Secretary Vijay Dev were also part of the meeting, along with the Health teams of the Covid Hospitals.

In a statement, the Raj Niwas said during the meeting, held on video conference, Baijal stressed on the requirement of a strong communication network between all hospitals and the Health Department to collate real-time data and swiftly plan resource mobilisation.

“The Health Department presented a patient management system and requested in charge of all hospitals to update it daily so that correct data is collected and a clear picture emerges enabling decision-makers to swiftly plan resources for emerging scenarios,” the Raj Niwas said.

The Lt. Governor also emphasized that every single life is precious and all possible steps will be taken to ensure the best possible treatment to each patient.

Also, Lt. Governor was informed by the Health Secretary that sufficient PPEs are being procured.

“The Delhi government has ordered for 1.5 lakh PPEA kits and secured supply of 3,500 Personal Protective Equipment per day, a tender has also been finalized for two lakh more PPEs kits,” the Raj Niwas said.

Moreover, the Health Secretary also said that an order has been issued for five lakh N-95 Masks and supply of 25,000 per week for frontline health workers/health professionals are being received.

“The Health Department is providing these PPEs to all COVID hospitals as per need.”

Baijal also directed that standard operating procedures or guidelines be strictly adhered for hospitals to avoid overcrowding.

He also instructed the Health Department to follow all protocols of the Union Health Ministry while dealing with Covid-19 cases.

The Lt. Governor also directed all Covid-19 designated hospitals to plan for additional health infrastructure and medical professionals considering all possible scenarios.

“The Lt. Governor also reviewed enforcement of lockdown with CS, Delhi and CP, Delhi and directed that concerted efforts be taken to ensure that all directions of Government of India are followed. District Officials should ensure that no congregation of people is allowed in their respective jurisdiction,” the statement added.