PGH calls for blood donation from COVID-19 survivors

The Philippine General Hospital (PGH) has appealed for survivors of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) to donate blood to patients in critical condition.

According to a 24 Oras report by Jun Veneracion, the PGH will be the first hospital in the country to attempt a convalescent plasma transfusion, which was reportedly used in the epicenter of the disease in Wuhan City, China to heal patients in severe condition.

“Ang mga pasyente pong ito [na] napatunayan na negative sa COVID-19 ay nagtataglay po ang kanilang dugo ng antibodies laban sa virus na ito,” PGH spokesman Dr. Jonas Del Rosario explained.

Antibodies, as defined by the Center for Disease Control, are proteins produced by the body to neutralize or destroy toxins or disease-carrying organisms.

COVID-19 survivors who wish to donate their blood may reach the PGH through Dr. Sandy Maganito at 0917 805 3207.

“Ang mga potential donors ay sisiguraduhing karapat-dapat, malusog, at naka-recover sa COVID-19. Dadaan sila sa pagsusuri upang malaman kung wala silang ibang sakit at kung sila ay eligible na donor,” Del Rosario said.

At least 51 people out of the country’s 2,633 COVID-19 patients have so far recovered. Meanwhile, 107 people have already died due to the respiratory disease. -- Julia Mari Ornedo/BAP, GMA News