PGH calls on COVID-19 survivors to donate plasma amid short supply

The Philippine General Hospital (PGH) is encouraging COVID-19 survivors to donate convalescent plasma to help in the possible recovery of current patients as the health facility is already short on supply.

Interviewed on Dobol B sa News TV on Wednesday, PGH spokesperson Dr. Jonas del Rosario said the hospital is conducting a clinical trial for convalescent plasma as a treatment for COVID-19.

“Unfortunately, wala na po kaming convalescent plasma kasi wala na pong nagdo-donate. So nananawagan po kami,” he said.

“Sa dami po ng survivors na nakikita ko sa Department of Health (data), naiisip ko nasaan po sila… Sana po mag-donate po kayo dahil malaking tulong po sa ating mga kababayan na may COVID-19,” he added.

He said some survivors do not want to go back to the hospital due to the fear of catching the virus again. However, he noted that the blood donation will be done at  a private place, not in the hospital.

For those who are willing to donate, they can contact the PGH through their hotline 155-200.

Del Rosario said that most of the 30 severe and critical COVID-19 patients who received convalescent plasma showed improvement.

As they continue with the trial, Del Rosario said they will administer the convalescent plasma to moderate cases.

“Hindi po masyado maganda ang result ng convalescent plasma sa mga critical cases. Mas maganda na maaga ito maibigay,” he said.

PGH is one of the referral health facilities for COVID-19 cases. — RSJ, GMA News