Categories: Uncategorized

ICMR to meet on Friday for review on irrational use of plasma therapy

The Indian Council of Medical Research’s (ICMR) National task force on Covid-19 will meet on Friday to discuss the inappropriate use of convalescent plasma therapy in the treatment of ailing Covid-19 patients, news agency ANI reported quoting ICMR sources.

This meeting comes against the backdrop of clinicians and scientists in the country writing to the government’s principal scientific advisor K Vijay Raghavan urging caution against the “irrational and non-scientific use” of convalescent plasma in treating Covid-19 patients in India.

“We are writing to you as concerned clinicians, public health professionals and scientists from India about the irrational and non-scientific use of convalescent plasma for Covid-19 in the country,” a letter written by vaccinologist Gagandeep Kang and surgeon Pramesh C S among others said.

Concerns were raised after the Union health ministry issued a revised ‘Clinical Guidance for Management of Adult Covid-19 Patients’ on April 22, allowing the ‘off-label’ use of convalescent plasma to treat patients of Covid-19 afflicted with moderate symptoms, within 7 days of the onset of the disease.

Citing an ICMR-PLACID trial, the world’s first randomised control trial on the use of convalescent plasma conducted in 39 public and private hospitals across the nation, the letter also alleged that the current guidelines on plasma therapy are not based on existing evidence.

“The current research evidence unanimously indicates that there is no benefit offered by convalescent plasma for treatment of Covid-19. However, it continues to be prescribed rampantly in hospitals across India,” the letter said.

Medically Speaking Team

Recent Posts

Harness the Power of Rice Water

Rice water, rich in inositol, antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals, protects hair from sunlight damage and…

2 hours ago

“8 Powerful Herbs and Supplements to Beat Bloating and Boost Your Gut Health Naturally”

Natural Remedies for Bloating: 8 Herbs and Supplements That Work Wonders for Your Gut Health…

2 hours ago

“Unlock the Power of Oil Pulling: Discover How This Simple Practice Improves Oral Health and Freshens Your Breath”

Benefits of Oil Pulling: Stops Bad Breath, Keeps Gums Healthy, But Can't Replace Brushing Oil…

2 hours ago

WHY DO YOU EXPERIENCE RUNNY NOSE AFTER EATING SPICY FOOD?

Spicy food – whether it’s a dash of chili in your curry, a spoonful of…

2 hours ago

“4 Simple Tests to Spot Adulterated Wheat Flour: Protect Your Health with These Easy Checks”

How To Identify Adulterated Wheat Flour? Try These 4 Easy Tests Wheat flour is a…

2 hours ago

“Unlock the Power of Jaggery: 10 Surprising Health Benefits of Eating It After Every Meal”

Reasons That Will Make You Eat Jaggery After Every Meal (Potential Health Benefits Inside) Jaggery,…

2 hours ago