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.
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.