COVID-19: Plasma therapy in Odisha from tomorrow

Bhubaneswar:  Amidst the spike in COVID-19 cases in Odisha, the Government today announced that plasma therapy will be introduced in the state from tomorrow for treatment of the patients.

The service will begin in SUM Hospital and KIMS in Bhubaneswar and Ashwini Hospital in Cuttack. SCB Medical College and Hospital in Cuttack will be designated as the nodal centre for the treatment.

The decision was taken at review meeting held under the chairmanship of Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik. At the COVID-19 review meeting, the CM directed  officials concerned to strengthen monitoring of the situation in five districts- Ganjam, Cuttack, Khordha, Jajpur and Sundargarh. He also advised district observers to constantly remain in contact with corona warriors to encourage them.

Stating that around 7,000 samples are being tested per day in the state, Chief Secretary Asit Tripathy said the number will be increased to 9000 in a week.  Private hospitals will be be allowed to conduct the test in coming days.

Health Department Additional Chief Secretary said though there is no inadequacy in the  number of ICUs and beds at COVID hospitals in Cuttack, Bhubaneswar and Ganjam, steps have been taken to add 200 more ICUs and additional beds in the places in next seven days.

Worth mentioning, the state’s COVID-19 tally today crossed 14,000 mark and stood at 14,280 after 543 more persons tested positive for the virus in the state.