Kerala is all set to begin a clinical trial of convalescent-plasma therapy, which involves transfusion of the blood plasma of recovered Coronaviris patients to treat critically ill COVID-19 cases. Kerala is the first state to get approval from the Indian Council for Medical Research (ICMR) to conduct the therapy. Plasma therapy is a promising option for COVID-19 treatment, Dr Anoop Kumar, tells Outlook in an Interview. Dr. Kumar is a key member of the task force for plasma therapy, set up by the state government. An intensivist at Baby Memorial Hospital Kozhikode, Dr. Kumar has also won awards for his efforts to identify and prevent the deadly Nipah virus outbreak in the state. Excerpts:
Q) Kerala is the first state to get approval from ICMR to commence plasma treatment. How significant is the treatment in fighting COVID-19?