First plasma collection performed at NEIGRIHMS

Syllad | The Rising MeghalayaOctober 6, 2020

The first convalescent plasma collection for COVID-19 by apheresis procedure in the state was performed on Tuesday at the Blood Bank of NEIGRIHMS hospital on COVID recovered donors from Border Security Force (BSF) Frontier HQ Shillong.

The plasma bank was inaugurated by Director NEIGRIHMS, Prof (Dr) P Bhattacharyya in the presence of DIG Medical Composite Hospital BSF Shillong, Deputy Director, Medical Superintendent NEIGRIHMS.

“These recovered BSF personnel donors were screened for SAR COV-2 IgG index value (Antibodies) along with consideration of blood group and other required parameters, and ten were selected for the first phase,” NEIGRIHMS PRO Dr Cornerstone Wann said.

Meanwhile, a statement from the BSF informed that six BSF personnel have donated their plasma during the camp organized at NEIGRIHMS.

It said these BSF personnel have recently recovered from COVID-19 and plasma donated by them would be further used in the treatment of critical COVID-19 patients.

According to the statement, samples of around 55 BSF personnel who have recovered from COVID were taken. 

Lauding the noble gesture shown by BSF, Dr P Bhattacharjee, Director NEIGRIHMS congratulated BSF personnel and said, “plasma therapy in Meghalaya is becoming a reality due to the efforts of BSF, by the BSF for the people of Meghalaya”.

The plasma bank established at NEIGRIHMS will prove to be very helpful for the better treatment of critical patients in future, he added.  

U K Nayal, DIG/PRO of BSF Meghalaya Frontier said, “BSF considers it an honour to serve the people of our nation not only by securing the borders but also by participating in all other facets for the betterment of society”.

He gave assurance on behalf of BSF to continue the donation of plasma by BSF personnel and take all possible measures to fight this pandemic in future also.