New Delhi, Jul 2 (UNI) Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal on Thursday launched India's first plasma bank set-up at the Institute of Liver and Biliary Sciences (ILBS) hospital in Delhi, and urged people to come forward to donate plasma.
Addressing a digital press briefing, Mr Kejriwal said, "The plasma bank in Delhi is starting today. This is the first plasma bank in the country set-up for the treatment of Corona patients. People were finding it difficult to get plasma and the situation got quite chaotic in Delhi. We hope that the situation will improve after setting up of this plasma bank."
Mr Kejriwal said this plasma bank will only be successful if people come forward to donate plasma and more recovered Corona patients must come forward to donate.
Citing the eligility criteria over who can donate plasma, the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) chief said, "There are strict eligibility guidelines and criteria over who can donate plasma. First, you must be tested positive for Corona. You must have fully recovered and must be free of Corona symptoms for 14 days. Your age must be between 18-60 years."
"You cannot donate plasma if - your weight is less than 50 kg. Women who have ever been pregnant; you are diabetic on insulin; your blood pressure is more than 140 and diastolic less than 60 or more than 90. You cannot donate plasma if you have uncontrolled diabetes or hypertension with change in medication in last 28 days, if you are a Cancer Survivor, or if you have chronic kidney/heart/lung or liver disease," he said.
"Until now, 58000 people have recovered from Corona. The criteria is very stringent and will leave fewer recovered patients eligible. So I urge everyone who is eligible to come forward. You get very less chances of saving someone's life, if God has given you this chance, please do not hesitate to use it to save a life. You might experience weakness after donating blood, but you will never experience weakness after donating plasma,” he said.
"If you fit in the eligibility criteria of donating plasma, you can call on 1031 and register yourself to donate plasma. You can also WhatsApp on 8800007722," said the CM.
After getting your contact information, the willing donor will get a call from a Delhi government doctor who will confirm their eligibility for plasma donation and obtain other details. If the donors are found to be eligible, a suitable time for pick-up will be fixed with them as per their convenience.
Mr Kejriwal said the Delhi government will send a vehicle to the donors to take them to the plasma bank, or they will be re-imbursed for the travel cost if they want to travel through their private vehicle.
"Some basic tests will be conducted at the ILBS hospital, after which your plasma will be taken. This whole process takes only 45 minutes to one hour and not more than that. After the process is completed, you will be given a Certificate of Appreciation for contributing to the society," he said.
MORE UNI PY SB 1732