Plasma therapy the most attractive concept in theory

SILCHAR, Aug 7: COVID-19 which has shaken the whole world has become a big jigsaw puzzle with no immediate medical solution in sight. Vaccines so far claimed to have been made in Oxford, China, Russia, India and America are put on trial and are yet to prove of worth in the recovery of patients. Scientists and experts are cracking their heads over the most dangerous virus of the century which so far has claimed 71 lakh plus lives around the globe, 41 thousand plus in India and 126 + in Assam. The figures are not static but changing each day on higher side. The three districts of Cachar, Karimganj and Hailakandi so far have lost 12 lives.

Silchar Medical College and Hospital is the centre of treatment for COVID-19 patients for the valley with updated facilities. A new dimension has emerged with the installation of plasma therapy centre at SMCH on Friday. This as Suman Choudhury, district media expert of health department, said will benefit the patients. It was also a good beginning when two students of the College donated their plasma. Rapid Antigen Tests (RAT) have been intensified in view of the increasing positive cases. The three districts taken together the recovery rate is 66+ percent.

But, the question is how effective is plasma therapy? Dr Ravi Kannan, eminent oncologist, Director of Cachar Cancer Hospital and Research Centre, said, "On paper, the concept is attractive, but yet to prove its efficacy in practice." It is no doubt a part of the continuing research works of experts and can well be termed as a big step forward. Dr Kannan pointed out so far of the 10 patients subjected to plasma therapy in many countries, only one has shown positive result. More needs to be done to make it effective. He is optimistic about that, he said.

Well known NRI surgeon Dr Kumar Kanti Das, attached with Kalyani Hospital, sharing his opinion said, "Plasma therapy cannot be taken as a freak of science, but a well research oriented efforts of medical experts. It is effective when the patient is put on ventilation or life supporting devices. Its application is not for ordinary or asymptomatic cases." Gradually with more research and expertise, plasma therapy will be the call of near future and much sought after way out for COVID-19 patients, he added to say.

A statement from Ranadeep Guleria, Director of AIMS, New Delhi, however said plasma therapy is not effective to check COVID-19. More research has to be done and from new angle it has to be examined. Many countries were happy initially with plasma therapy, but disappointed with recovery rate of patients. Union Health Ministry however puts its faith and hope in plasma therapy.