The Department of Health (DOH) studies the convalescent plasma therapy as a treatment for coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19).
The convalescent plasma therapy is the blood transfusion from a recovered patient from COVID-19 to another currently battling the virus.
According to DOH Undersecretary Maria Rosario Vergeire, the patient who lust recovered from the virus now carries antibodies that can be transferred to a patient who still has COVID-19. Although, a more extensive study is needed to prove the effectiveness of the therapy.
The therapy is currently available only at the Philippine General Hospital (PGH) where several COVID-19 survivors have donated their blood.
The PGH continues in asking donations from the COVID-19 survivors.
The DOH reminds that consent must be given by the patients since it can cause side effects.
A compassionate special permit is needed for hospitals that wish to use the treatment. – Report from Mark Fetalco
