Illegal plasma poses infection risks, DoH warns

THE illegal trade of plasma from recovered coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) patients could pose “serious risks” to patients, the Department of Health (DoH) said.

In a statement released on Sunday, the department advised the public against buying and selling plasma — used for convalescent plasma therapy — because it could cause transfusion- transmissible infections (TTIs) such as hepatitis, the human immunodeficiency virus and malaria.

“Trading blood and other blood products, including those from recovered Covid- 19 patients, are not only illegal but highly dangerous. Convalescent plasma should not be for sale and should be voluntarily donated for Covid- 19 patients in need,” Health Secretary Francisco Duque 3rd was quoted as saying.

The DoH raised the concern amid increasing reports that families of critically ill Covid-19 patients were trying to buy convalescent plasma from fixers.

Some patients even resort to deliberately infecting themselves with the coronavirus to sell their plasma once recovered, according to the Health department.

“Those individuals do not only place their lives at risk, but they also put their families and communities at risk when they voluntarily get infected,” it added.

The selling of plasma is also prohibited by Republic Act 7719, or the “National Blood Service Act of 1994,” which provides that all blood and blood products will be collected from volunteer blood donors only.

Paid donation is not allowed and facilities that will provide remuneration to blood donors shall be penalized in accordance to DoH Administrative Order 36 Chapter VII, Section 26 and Chapter VIII, Section 41.

The DoH encourages recovered Covid-19 patients to only donate blood voluntarily.

“Only through voluntary donation will you be assured of your health and safety, and only through this selfless act of service will you reap the satisfaction of having helped save the life of someone in need,” the Health department said.