Plasma bank to come up, rapid antigen testing to start in 5 dists

CHANDIGARH : Even as the state authorities are prepared to launch rapid antigen testing in five of the worst-affected districts from Friday, chief minister Captain Amarinder Singh on Thursday gave the go-ahead for establishment of a plasma bank to facilitate Covid plasma therapy treatment. The treatment is already being carried out as an Indian Council for Medical Research (ICMR) trial project in government hospitals.

Chairing a video-conference review meeting on the Covid-19 situation, Amarinder approved the establishment of the plasma bank. In total, 15 patients have been recruited for the trial. Five patients have recovered completely and will be discharged soon.

CM TO WRITE TO PARTY CHIEFS ON GATHERINGS

Expressing concern over the increasing violations of safety norms in the state, many of them by political parties, the CM said he will write to the presidents of all the registered political parties to seek their cooperation in checking large gatherings.

On 258 cases, including 11 PCS officers, reported on Wednesday, the CM asked chief secretary Vini

Mahajan to issue SOPs for government officers’ meetings, visit to other offices etc.

Adviser, health, medical education & research, Dr KK Talwar said Amritsar, Jalandhar, Ludhiana, Mohali and Patiala districts were identified for the pilot rapid antigen testing. On finalisation of rates for private hospitals, he said two meetings had been held with the hospitals and another was scheduled for Monday.