As cases rise, State begins operations at plasma bank; cured patients come forward to donate plasma

PANAJI: The process of collecting the plasma samples of the cured COVID patients has already begun in the State, even as the cases continued to climb. The State registered third consecutive century on Friday. Also, 74 new recoveries were registered taking the active cases to 895.
The State so far has 2251 confirmed cases 1347 recoveries and nine deaths.
Health Secretary Nila Mohana, addressing media also informed that the Cuncolim MLA Clafasio Dias has been put on non-invasive ventilator and his condition has stabilised.
“Unfortunately the honourable MLA is also one of our positive patients and he has now been put on NIV and his condition has stabilised after that I am told by the treating doctor,” she said.

She further said that the all patients are treated equally including those in critical conditions.
“We don’t want to leave any stone unturned. We want to ensure that the doctors have all the range of choices available before them so that they can take a call what is the best for the patients,” she said.
She also denied that there was any shortage of COVID19 medicines in the State.
“You may be aware that there is this medicine called Remdisivir is being talked about that. There are different opinions about its efficacy but there are lots of hospitals across the country that are trying it. So we do not want to leave that option unavailable in Goa. We got in touch with the manufacturing company in Hyderabad and have received 35 vials, also within 24 hours we ordered the immediate necessity,” she said.
She added that all the other medicine which are being talked about are all now available with doctors.
“We also have an option of plasma therapy, which is very actively being pushed forwardly Dean GMC and his team of doctors there. The plasma bank has already started operation with first donors giving their plasma. So there is definitely no shortage of medicines and efforts of the department,” she said.
Further, she also added, that the State has enough ventilators now after they received deliveries from Centre as well as our suppliers.
Giving details of the patients, she said, there is only one patient on ventilator many others are all on the NIV.
She said that mass testing is being carried out at Colvale jail and some pharmaceutical companies have been shut at Verna industrial estate.
She also disclosed that one employee of Education department has tested positive.
“We have collected 19-20 samples from the section where the employee worked and the premises is shut,” she said.
She further said that the teachers, who have been asked to come to schools, may be allowed to work from Home as per MHRD guidelines.
“We have received the guidelines and director has moved a file in this regard. Once cleared the teachers will work from home,” she said denying the State had flouted any central guidelines.