India’s first Plasma Bank was launched on 2 July at the ILBS (Institute of Liver and Biliary Disease) Hospital in New Delhi by Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal. "So far, people have been facing many hassles in getting plasma for coronavirus treatment. I hope they will get some relief now. I also hope more people will now come forward to donate plasma. Unless it's donated, how will others get it,” he said.

Pictures by: Shrey Gupta

The Chief Minister spoke encouragingly to a donor at the Plasma Bank. In plasma therapy, plasma taken from the blood of a patient who has recovered from the coronavirus is transfused to a critically ill patient. The blood of a patient who has recovered is rich in antibodies and can help the critically ill patient to get better.

Not all recovered patients are eligible to donate though. A person who has diabetes, hypertension or is a cancer survivor can’t donate plasma. Neither can women who have ever been pregnant.

Those willing to donate plasma can register themselves by contacting Delhi government officials on 1031 or on Whatsapp number - 8800007722. Donors will get a Gaurav Patra certificate  signed by the Chief Minister.