CM launches second plasma bank at LNJP

New Delhi: Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal on Tuesday inaugurated Delhi's second plasma bank at the state-run Lok Nayak Jai Prakash Narayan Hospital and asserted that plasma therapy was "really helpful" in saving the lives of COVID-19 patients. The CM added that over 200 Coronavirus patients had already drawn plasma from the plasma bank set up at the Institute of Liver and Biliary Sciences (ILBS), which was inaugurated on July 2.

"Plasma therapy is really helpful in saving lives. We cannot say it can save 100 percent of the lives...but the death rate has reduced in Delhi and plasma has a role in it," the chief minister said at the launch of the LNJP plasma bank, adding that its central location would make it easily accessible for donors.

COVID-19 patients can donate their plasma 14 days after recovery.

Such people should be between 18 and 60 years of age and with a weight of not less than 50 kg. However, women who have been pregnant, people with diabetes, hypertension, cancer survivors, those with chronic heart, liver, lung and kidney diseases and high blood pressure cannot donate plasma.

"We do not want to store plasma in plasma bank forever, but no one should suffer for lack of plasma either. The arrangement should be such that those needing plasma get it easily. So far, no one has been denied plasma," CM Kejriwal said. He said his government will continue setting up facilities and beds even if the beds for COVID-19 patients remain vacant to ensure there is no shortage if the cases increase. He said the spread of COVID-19 in Delhi is gradually reducing. "The recovery rate is increasing very fast. Earlier, 35 out of 100 people tested would be diagnosed with coronavirus. Now only 7 or 8 people out of 100 are found positive."

However, CM Kejriwal cautioned people against any complacency. "Nothing is known about COVID-19, it may rise again tomorrow. Therefore, we need to take precautions. We always have to wear a mask, maintain social distancing, wash our hands and sanitise them repeatedly," he said.

He also said the city government has successfully implemented the home isolation programme and there has been no death among those undergoing home isolation.

"We realized that a huge epidemic like this cannot be fought alone. We took everyone along. We also approached the central government and social service organisations. There are many NGOs of retired doctors in Delhi, such as StepOne and Doctors For U, which are helping us in this fight," he said, appreciating the efforts of all in the Capital.