More COVID-19 survivors urged to donate blood

Those fortunate enough to recover from the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) are being called to donate blood to help patients who are battling the virus.

In a GMA Digital Special, Dr. Jonas del Rosario of the Philippine General Hospital (PGH) explains that blood from recovered patients can be used to treat a person with COVID-19 through convalescent plasma transfusion.

The PGH is currently taking blood donations from COVID-19 survivors, as the liquid component or plasma contains antibodies that could "neutralize" the novel coronavirus in patients who are still ill.

“Ang taong gumagaling dito ay nakaka-form ng tinatawag nating antibodies sa dugo, so ‘yung antibodies na yan ay nasa plasma, puwede nilang ibigay ‘yun sa ibang may sakit,” Dr. Rosario also told "Stand for Truth" in an interview.

“For every 500 ml (ng convalescent plasma) isang pasyente po ang makakatanggap,” he adds.

Think of it as a gift of life

The Special report explains the procedure and specifies the criteria and other instructions for those who wish to donate their blood

Willing donors are informed that the donation process at the Paz Mendoza Hall in University of the Philippines Manila usually takes about 60 to 65 minutes, and the team will take care of his or her transportation.

RELATED: Who can donate blood to COVID-19 patients?

Journalist Howie Severino, joined by Senator Sonny Angara and actress Iza Calzado, personally called out to their fellow COVID-19 survivors to help patients still suffering their virus.

“Ito na siguro ang pinakamahalagang pagkilos namin (COVID-19 survivors), ang pagbibigay ng plasma. Utang na loob na rin namin sa mga tumulong sa amin, ang mga frontliner,” said Severino, who recovered from COVID-19 after 11 days in the hospital.

He urged fellow survivors to think of the donation as a way to give back to front liners who nursed them back to health.

“Utang na loob na rin namin sa mga tumulong sa amin, ‘yung mga front liners. mahirap bayaran yung utang namin sa kanila in terms of yung commitment nila, ‘yung pagsagip nila sa buhay namin.”

"There are less than 400 survivors so far," he continued. "They all need to know they can save lives."

As of Wednesday, the Department of Health (DOH) said at least 3,453 people have tested positive for COVID-19 in the Philippines.

The death toll has reached 349, but recoveries were only at 353.

Willing donors can contact the Philippine General Hospital through these numbers:

Metro Manila:

Dr. Sandy Maganito: +63917 8053207

Nationwide:

155-200

— Margaret Claire Layug/LA, GMA News