Punjab's first plasma bank opens at Patiala

Punjab got its first plasma bank at Patiala’s Rajindra Hospital where those who have recovered from the novel coronavirus can donate their blood plasma to help treat Covid-19 patients. State’s Medical Education and Research Minister O P Soni inaugurated the facility through video conference and said it will play a vital role in the fight against the pandemic. Multiple trials of plasma therapy have been successfully conducted in the state that paved the way for the establishment of the plasma bank, he said. The plasma bank is equipped with two plasma machines while a third machine would be introduced soon. The minister also said, 'We have no shortage of testing kits for anti-body testing and latest testing equipment will be available soon.” He appealed to all recovered Covid-19 patients to come forward to donate plasma.