Maharashtra govt launches plasma therapy trial 'Project Platina' to treat COVID-19 patients

The Maharashtra government on Monday launched 'Project PLATINA' the largest plasma therapy trial for Covid-19.  Launching  the programme, Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray said Maharashtra will be the first state in the country to conduct an overarching trial on convalescent plasma therapy. 

He said, "Convalescent Plasma therapy is now coming up as one of the most important methods in the treatment of severe COVID 19 patients in the absence of definite treatment or drugs for the same."

He said the first plasma therapy trial was first conducted in  April this year, after which permission was sought from the Centre to undertake more trials.

‘Project PLATINA’-World’s Largest convalescent plasma therapy trial cum treatment of severe COVID 19 patients was today launched by @Maha_MEDD & inaugurated by CM Uddhav Balasaheb Thackeray. pic.twitter.com/wkbRaoaEP6

— CMO Maharashtra (@CMOMaharashtra) June 29, 2020

Convalescent Plasma therapy is now coming up as one of the most important methods in the treatment of severe COVID 19 patients in the absence of definite treatment or drugs for the same.

— CMO Maharashtra (@CMOMaharashtra) June 29, 2020

The Chief Minister also said the Central team which visited the state has lauded the measures taken by the state government in containing Covid.

He said the spread of virus is likely to increase during the unlocking phase.  According to Thackeray the Centre has granted permission to conduct convalescent plasma therapy trials at 23 centres but as of now it will be done at 17 centres only.  He further said a person who has recovered from the coronavirus infection can register himself on  www.plasmayoddha.in and can express his willingness to donate plasma.