Plasma therapy in experimental stage, not COVID treatment until ICMR approves: Health Min

Even as popularity of convalescent plasma rapy gains steam across India and world, Union Health Ministry on Tuesday said that rapy is still being experimented upon and  evidence that this can be used as effective COVID-19 treatment has been established. Ministry warned that unless rapy is approved by Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) after concluding a study,  inappropriate claims be me as it can be harmful to patient.

"ICMR has stated very clearly that re is approved rapy for COVID-19 including plasma rapy. Plasma rapy is being experimented, however, so far, re is evidence that this can be used as a treatment. A national-level study has been launched by ICMR to study rapy's efficacy," Joint Secretary for Health, Lav Aggarwal, told reporters in a press briefing.

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Only for research or trial purposes

He furr clarified that unless ICMR concludes its study and a robust proof is available, plasma rapy should be used only for research or trial purposes. He ted that United States Food and Drug ministration (US FDA) has also viewed plasma rapy as experimentation and has t yet been approved for use.

"If plasma rapy is t done properly based on guidelines, re can be life-threatening complications (to patients). Unless this rapy is approved and its effectiveness proved, it will be inappropriate to make any claim and can be harmful to a patient," official said.

Ministry's clarification comes as more and more states look to plasma rapy as a potential way to treat COVID-19 patients. Uttar Presh, Maharashtra, Mhya Presh, Karnataka, Bihar and several or states are mulling over starting trials for this rapy after encouraging results from patients in Delhi and abro.

What is convalescent plasma rapy?

Researchers are testing use of donated blood as a treatment for people with a severe case of COVID-19. Patients who've recovered from COVID-19 have antibodies to disease in ir blood. Doctors call this convalescent plasma. Researchers hope that convalescent plasma can be given to people with severe COVID-19 to boost ir ability to fight virus.

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Coronavirus cases see sharp spike

Health Ministry informed that 1,543 new cases of COVID-19 have been reported in last 24 hours taking nationwide toll to 29,435. This has been sharpest rise in cases so far. 684 patients have recovered, in last 24 hours and  recovery rate is w 23.3%. Ministry also said re are w 17 districts where new COVID-19 case has been reported in last 28 days (2 districts ded and 1 district dropped from this list).

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Guidelines for self-isolation

Health Ministry has also issued guidelines for home isolation for very mild/presymptomatic patients which can be availed by those who have a requisite facility for self-isolation at ir residence.

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