Donating plasma to save lives

The pandemic has not only changed a lot of things we take for granted, but has also introduced new needs that require to be addressed. As global institutions dove neck-deep into research to zero in on a vaccine, the need for plasma from recovered patients became urgent. To help, we started antibody testing camps last August and partnered with GiveRED, a non-profit organisation, to encourage plasma donations among our employees.

Of course, with widespread fear about going to hospitals, collections were set up at hospitals with exclusive slots for our people by GiveRED. The non-profit’s teams assured donors about safety, provided transport and raised awareness about the process. Busting myths was a big part of the drive — that there’s no shame in having tested positive for Covid-19, and that plasma donations are not dangerous.

For those in doubt about why plasma is in demand, someone who has recovered from Covid-19 develops antibodies in their plasma so when it’s transferred to an infected person, it neutralises the virus in them, says Dr. Anupam Sibal. Dr. Sibal joined GiveRED and Indian Women Network Telengana to address people’s concerns about plasma donations. The logic for using plasma therapy is rooted in its use to fight Ebola.

“Preparedness is the key for any business exigency,” says Dr. Raini Gupta, Program Manager of Health & Wellness at Dr. Reddy’s. A series of steps were established for employees who tested positive – send them to quarantine, get them tested on Day 10 and if they test negative, get them back to work. “After four weeks, we would push our employees to get antibody testing, basis which we created a repository of potential donors within the organisation, for the organisation and their families, as well as for external parties.”

As a result, we have tested multiple recovered people for antibodies and created an exclusive pool of plasma donors for employees and their families of active donors of all blood groups. We’ve also completed numerous successful plasma donations.

Our commitment to good health runs in the proverbial blood at Dr. Reddy’s. Our success lies in our patients getting healthy and happy.

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