Gonoshasthaya Plasma Centre opens, treatment to cost Tk 5,000-6,000
A plasma and blood donation centre create by Gonoshasthaya Nagar Hospital in memory of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman opened on August 15, 2020.
A plasma and blood donation centre set up by Gonoshasthaya Nagar Hospital in memory of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman opened on Saturday, reports UNB.
Dr MA Khan, a professor of Dhaka Medical College's hematology department, also the lead of the technical sub-committee on plasma therapy at the faculty, inaugurated the centre around 11:30am on National Mourning Day.
Gonoshasthaya Kendra (GK) founder Dr Zafrullah Chowdhury, Gono Bishwabidyalay Professor and lead researcher at Gonoshasthaya Pharmaceuticals Dr Bijon Kumar Sil and other officials of the hospital were present at the programme.
Speaking at the programme, Dr Zafrullah said they opened the centre on the National Mourning Day as a mark of respect to the person who himself had named the institution Gonoshasthaya.
He said plasma is important for many corona-infected persons to beat the virus. "Many persons become very weak if they get infected. Plasma is effective for them since it enhances their energy and strengthens their disease fighting capability to fight off the virus."
Zafrullah said publicity was essential to encourage people to donate plasma and for the patients to get it. "There has to be a plasma centre in every district of Bangladesh beneath the leadership of Prof MA Khan."
He also said plasma will be collected from the blood of 25 corona-free patients each day maintaining scientific rules at the Gonoshasthaya Nagar Hospital's plasma centre.
Zafrullah said whereas different hospitals are taking Tk 20,000-25,000, they'll only charge Tk 5,000-6,000 for providing corona patients with plasma therapy.
Dr MA Khan said the demand for plasma has decreased as people have become "less concerned about coronavirus".
He said it is very important to decide who should be given plasma therapy at what time. "If we can give it to the elderly patients at the first stage of infection of the virus, we'll get great results."
Khan also said until a highly effective vaccine was found, plasma remedy could be used as treatment for the deadly virus. "Because, we realize at least Tk 30,000 to 60,000 must avail the antivirus and the drugs that are being used in injectable form to beat Covid-19."
