BROKERS MAKE MOOLAH IN PLASMA ‘TRADE’

Plasma therapy is absolutely free for Covid-19 infected patients taking treatment in government hospitals but in the case of IRCS blood banks, they are charging `14,000 for

400 ml plasma which comes in two units of 200 ml each. Permitted private blood banks are also charging `10,000 to

`12,000 for 400 ml of plasma. On the other hand, some middlemen with access to a list of

Covid-19 infected and recovered patents and registered donors of plasma, are arranging plasma donors for patients especially in notified Covid-19 hospitals and charging more money.

It depends upon the demand and supply for the day. Some corporate hospitals too are offering ‘good commission’ to middlemen who can arrange the donation of plasma of specific blood groups.

ICRS blood bank chief medical officer at Nellore. Dr Yashovardhan said, “We are allowing only voluntary donors of plasma and the donated plasma is being offered to the required patients following the government fixed cost only as we have to collect and process it before transfusion to the patient.”

Meanwhile, Covid-19 infected patients are seeking intervention of the state government to arrest misuse of plasma donation by some middlemen for monetary gain.

SOME MIDDLEMEN with access to a list of Covid-19 infected and recovered patents and registered donors of plasma, are arranging plasma donors for patients especially in notified Covid-19 hospitals and charging more money.

● It depends upon the demand and supply for the day. Some corporate hospitals too are offering ‘good commission’ to middlemen who can arrange the donation of plasma of specific blood groups.