New Delhi: The Union Government on Tuesday said that it has not approved Plasma Therapy for treatment of Covid- 19 and this should be used only for research and trial purposes till there is robust scientific evidence to support its efficacy.

The Centre’s view indicate that it feels the treatment carries an unacceptable risk, if it not administered properly, it could be life threatening, said Joint Secretary in Health Ministry Lav Agarwal. The announcement came as a surprise as some private hospitals have used Plasma or Immune therapy on patients needing enhanced respiratory support. Delhi’s Max Saketh Hospital recently claimed success with a middle aged patient though the method failed to save the person’s father who was much older and his late 80’s.

Trials involving Plasma Therapy will, however, continue with ICMR awaiting more clinical evidence. Some State Government’s thinking to stop the Covid- 19, Plasma Therapy as a line of treatment comes at a time when several states feel it might be a promising option. Delhi, Rajasthan, Gujarat and Karnataka states have sought permission from ICMR to treat critically ill Covid- 19 patients with this therapy. Luv Agarwal also said that there is no approved therapy for Covid- 19 in the country, including Plasma Therapy.

Plasma Therapy is being experimented with and there is no evidence to support it as a treatment. It is only an experimental state, he added. ICMR has launched a national level study to find out the efficacy of Plasma Therapy in the treatment Covid- 19. The ICMR concludes its study and a robust scientific truth is available, Plasma Therapy should be used only for research or trial purpose. If it is not used in a proper manner under the proper guidelines then it can also cause life threatening complications, he added.