COVID-19 survivors turn to selling plasma as pandemic hits jobs, livelihood

In a desperate moment, Kimberly, a frontliner and a coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) survivor, posted on social media that she was in dire need of plasma to help her brother-in-law who was infected with the virus.

Kimberly worked for the Cebu City government, giving assistance to those who had tested positive for COVID-19 in their barangay.

Soon, she herself showed symptoms of the virus and eventually tested positive for COVID-19.

Although she had since recovered, her father had contracted the virus. He unfortunately passed away.

After her father died, Kimberly’s sister and her sister's husband also got the virus.

Because her brother-in-law was already in critical condition, the doctor advised them to look for a plasma donor. Plasma from COVID-19 survivors is being used to treat COVID-19 patients since it contains antibodies that have the potential to fight off the virus.

After posting about her family’s need on Facebook, someone messaged her. The person said that he was willing to give his plasma, but for a price, Kimberly narrated on “Kapuso Mo, Jessica Soho”.

“May nag-PM sa akin na nanghingi sila ng 50,000, tapos may nagte-text sa akin na manghingi ng 30,000 (Someone messaged me asking for Php50,000, another one texted asking for Php30,000),” said Kimberly.

But when she started asking about test results, the other person didn’t have the details. The transaction did not push through.

According to the Department of Health Region 7, the price of plasma in Cebu ranges from Php20,000 to Php80,000.

In times of need

In the past few weeks, Cebu City has turned into a COVID-19 hotspot in the Philippines.

According to DOH Region 7, Sitio Zapatera in Cebu City is among the areas with the highest number of recovered cases.

This is also allegedly where plasma selling has been taking place.

“Caloy,” not his real name, is a COVID-19 survivor from the area who donated his plasma.

He said that instead of just receiving the plasma, the recipient insisted on paying him about Php20,000.

“Caloy” said it started when someone called him up and asked if he was willing to donate. He immediately answered yes.

Even though “Caloy” clarified that he wasn’t looking to sell his blood, the patient’s family still gave him money.

“Caloy” said he used the money to pay off his four-month rent at his boarding house.

“Para sa akin, kusang loob ako mag-donate ng plasma ko. Kahit wala silang ibigay, okay lang sa akin. Ang sa akin lang, makatulong ako sa kapwa tao ko po (For me, I donated my plasma because I wanted to help. Even if they have nothing to give, that’s okay with me. What’s important is I was able to help someone),” he said.

Caloy said that he had heard of other survivors in the area who were selling their plasma because they had no jobs.

Local authorities at Sitio Zapatera, however, have denied that such plasma trade has been going on in the community.

The price of helping

According to DOH Region 7 Chief Pathologist Dr. Mary Jane Loreche, people have become desperate that’s why they have turned to selling their plasma.

However, the doctor said that if this kind of transaction continued, their voluntary blood donation program would die.

Worse, it could create a system where plasma would be available only to the rich or those who could pay for it.

She also said that under the Republic Act No. 7719 or the National Voluntary Blood Services Act, buying or selling one’s own blood is a punishable act.

“Kami po ay kumakatok sa inyong mga puso na huwag po nating gawing negosyo or ibenta dahil lang po sa panandaliang pangangailangan natin. Mas mahalaga pong ipakita natin iyong ating pagiging makabayan sa panahon na ito. Tumulong po tayo (Let’s not make blood or plasma donation a way to earn money. It’s more important to show our concern for our countrymen. Let’s help each other). — Kaela Malig/RC, GMA News