3 COVID survivors donate plasma to PGH

Three patients who have recovered from COVID-19 donated their blood plasma to the Philippine General Hospital on Taft Ave. in Manila with the hope of helping other infected patients.

In a Facebook post last Friday, PGH identified the donors as Ceasar Ian Frias, a seafarer; and Roselle Gale Arranz and Erika Joy Soriano, both nurses.

“COVID-19 Survivors doing their shares! Heroes evidently rise during crisis! In behalf of PGH and all Filipinos! Thank you so much for your brave move!” PGH said.

“Maraming salamat sa inyong kabayanihan! You are truly the People Giving Hope,” it added.

PGH spokesman Jonas del Rosario said the three “brave and healthy” COVID-19 survivors donated their blood for plasma therapy last Thursday, coinciding with “Araw ng Kagitingan” (Day of Valor).

“On April 9,  2020 (Araw ng Kagitingan), the first 3 brave and healthy COVID-19 Filipino survivors generously donated their blood for the Convalescent Plasma Therapy vs COVID-19 to the Philippine General Hospital,” he said.

Del Rosario commended the donors and said they “rose above the stigma and showed the world that their plasma is a gift of life.”

The PGH, a COVID-19 referral hospital,  had earlier said the blood of the recovered patients contains antibodies that could help fight the disease.

The facility is looking for more COVID-19 survivors who are willing to donate their blood plasma. Donors may reach the hospital at 155-200.

A vaccine or cure for COVID-19 has yet to be discovered.

The country as of Friday has 4,195 confirmed COVID-19 cases with 221 deaths and 140 recoveries. (Minka Tiangco)