Blood Plasma for COVID-19 Patients
In the wake of Covid19 pandemic and its resultant complications, humanity has had a chance to rediscover itself. Some of us have generously extended our hands to support others in the best way possible within our limited resources, while there are those who have capitalized upon others’ misery for their own material gain. Consequently, playing upon the desperation of Covid19 patients, many recovered patients have started charging to donate their blood plasma which is believed to be helpful in treating coronavirus Thereby establishing themselves as a sad and sorry outcome of their survival for the world.
However, before examining the perspective and reasoning of such individuals, let us 1st understand how and to what extent the blood plasma helps a Covid19 patient. “People who have recovered from COVID-19 develop natural defenses to the disease in their blood (antibodies). Antibodies are found in part of the blood called plasma. Plasma from blood donated from recovered patients, which contains COVID-19 antibodies, can be used to make two preparations. Firstly, convalescent plasma, which is plasma that contains these antibodies. Secondly, hyperimmune immunoglobulin, which is more concentrated, and therefore contains more antibodies.
Convalescent plasma and hyperimmune immunoglobulin have been used successfully to treat other respiratory viruses. These treatments (given by a drip or injection) are generally well-tolerated, but unwanted effects can occur.” (Cochrane.org) nevertheless, according to the same research while there is a high probability of its being effective for many Covid19 patients, studies have not yet been able to conclusively suggest that it most certainly works to increase the survival or the healing chances of all Covid19 patients. As a result, it should be acknowledged that charging money in lakhs for a contribution which has no guarantee of its effectiveness is not only highly unethical but a cruel exploitation of those who are already struggling to cling on to their lives.
Even so, where such actions can never be justifiable, I would urge you to kindly reflect that in some cases at least they merit an understanding from you, which helps in condemning only the vice and not its perpetrator. For instance, should we not feel pity along with our indignation for a father who sees such a moneymaking contribution as an opportunity to buy some respite of a few days or a couple of months for his and his family’s poverty stricken lives? Would it not mature our understanding of those who commit such actions out of greed, just to fill their already bulging pockets and of those who do it out of their obligations to take care of their families, or to make an attempt at breaking free from the shackles of their poverty? Such a reasoning gives you an insight to why anyone would take advantage of another’s suffering. It does not however, change the fact that to exploit another’s pain is a sad and distorted expression of human nature.
In essence dear reader, I appeal to your kind compassion and to your considerate wisdom to play your part in strongly condemning this sales purchase of blood plasma, of burdening necessities or, selfish impulses. I beseech you to contribute to the best of your ability in reducing poverty from your neighbourhood, your city, your country, and in effect from the world.