Jhapa. The Jhapa branch of Nepal Red Cross Society has appealed for plasma donations stating that the condition of the people infected with COVID19 is currently serious. The chair of the Branch, Lokraj Dhakal called for the donations as the condition of 13 infected people under treatment at Koshi, Virat, and Nobel hospitals in Biratnagar, and VP Memorial Hospital in Dharan appeared to be critical.

He mentioned that had been infected by COVID-19 previously and were cured can donate plasma. “As the number of infected people has increased, so have the number of critically ill people in the ICU. Therefore, we appeal to those who have won their battles against the virus to help to save lives that are critical right now.” he urged.

He stated that so far eight people had provided free plasma by depositing it in the plasma bank. He continued that even though there were four packs of plasma in the bank, it could not be put to use due to the mismatch of blood-types. Chairman Dhakal confirmed that they are providing services for the treatment of the infected by bringing plasma from banks in Chitwan, Dharan and Morang. So far, 10 people have donated plasma within the district.

Out of the total 1,651 infected people in the district, 1,100 have been cured. Currently, there are 388 people in home isolation. Plasma can be donated 20 days after recovering from the infection, said Jeevan Chaulagain, focal person at the District Health Office, Jhapa.