DOH in Central Visayas says blood plasma vs. COVID-19 selling for as high as P80k

The Department of Health in Central Visayas on Thursday warned hospitals against processing the blood plasma of COVID-19 survivors who are making money out of it.

According to Ian Cruz’s report on “24 Oras,” DOH Central Visayas spokesperson Dr. Mary Jean Loreche said they have received reports that some individuals who defeated COVID-19 are selling their blood plasma to patients in need in Cebu City.

“We have been getting reports that there are donors, especially in areas where the COVID cases are very high and they have recovered are being approached by private citizens who will be needing their convalescent plasma,” Loreche said.

She said a bag of blood plasma was reportedly being sold at P20,000 up to P80,000.

“Noong una, we heard it’s P20,000 per donor. Itong pinaka-latest na narinig natin is P80,000 already so pataas na nang pataas and this is contrary to what the government’s project and program is which is voluntary blood donation,” Loreche said.

Among the barangays DOH Central Visayas has monitored with individuals allegedly selling blood plasma is Sitio Sapatero in Barangay Luz, which has 147 recovered patients.

“Dolly,” a Cebu City resident who needed blood plasma for her sister-in-law due to COVID-19, said she was offered P20,000 for a bag by a survivor in Barangay Luz.

“Tinawagan niya, hiningian siya ng P20,000 tapos itinawag niya sa akin itong number na nanghingi sa kaniya ng P20,000. Ang sabi sa sister-in-law ko tiga Barangay Luz kaya tinawagan ko. Nahanap ko siya, kinausap ko siya, nagmakaawa ako sa kaniya na ano lang tapos matagal pa bago siya pumayag. Pero ‘di siya ‘yong nagdikta noong P20,000, ‘yong kaibigan lang niya,” she said.

Dolly was able to lower the amount to P5,000 but the transaction was unsuccessful as her sister-in-law eventually got better from the respiratory illness.

Meanwhile, Barangay Luz health worker Arlene Monsato denied that some COVID-19 survivors are making money out of selling their blood plasma.

“Donation lang ‘yon at tsaka pang konswelo lang pero walang ganoon, P50,000, P80,000, wala,” Monsato said.

Moreover, the DOH warned that selling blood plasma or other organs to a patient is illegal.

They also warned hospitals to not process the plasma transfusion of those who illegally transacted with COVID-19 survivors.

“Any form of sale of body parts or even mga blood products is really a big no no and we are actually looking into ano ‘yong mga violations na puwedeng i-file natin against the donor who is selling their blood and blood products and against individuals who are recruiting them for the use of their own patients or for selling again to another person,” Loreche said. -Ma. Angelica Garcia/NB, GMA News