A plasma donor, he saved a friend’s life

Dr Setya, a city-based gastroenterologist, showed no symptoms of Covid-19, but was tested after one of his patients received a positive report in April. He was surprised to see that he, too, was infected. He immediately admitted himself to the hospital and his wife and mother quarantined themselves at home.

After 32 days of hospitalisation and home quarantine after that, he was given a clean bill of health. This mild infection, however, helped him save the life of his friend’s brother.

Around nine days ago, his friend’s brother was diagnosed with Covid-19, and because of co-morbid conditions, his parameters—such as oxygen saturation and respiratory rate—were bad. He was admitted to the intensive care unit but his condition did not improve.

Doctors though administering plasma therapy could help.

“When my friend mentioned his brother’s condition, I wanted to donate my plasma. Throughout the years as a doctor, I have seen how much people struggle to find blood donors, I assume getting a plasma donor for Covid-19 is more difficult,” said Dr Setya, who works at Max hospital, Saket, and runs a clinic in Noida.

He was not an ideal candidate as he was over 60 years of age.

“For plasma donation, the doctors prefer to healthy young donors. But I insisted. Even though I am over the age of 60, I am in good health. I do not have any co-morbid conditions like diabetes or hypertension. I ensure that I work out regularly. In fact, even when I was admitted to the hospital with Covid-19, I used to walk around for 45 minutes in the morning and evening within my room,” he said.