As the Philippine Red Cross (PRC) opens a convalescent plasma center to boost its fight against the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), Senator Dick Gordon disclosed that the PRC will also launch its Samaritan convalescent plasma therapy program.
Gordon, PRC chairman and CEO, explained that the Samaritan program will give hope to poor Filipinos afflicted with COVID-19 because it would ensure that even those who can’t afford can avail of convalescent plasma therapy.
“It would ensure that even those who can’t afford it can avail of convalescent plasma.”
“Gagawa din tayo ng Samaritan program para sa convalescent plasma para sa mga mahihirap para hindi lang pang-mayaman ‘yan. ‘Yung makakalap nating pera ay maitulong natin doon sa mahihirap na mangangailangan ng dugo na ganyan nang sa ganun mabuhay ang mga kababayan natin. Malaking bagay ‘yan sa mga tao na umaasa,” the veteran legislator said.
The PRC’s other Samaritan programs include the Blood Samaritan, Dialysis Samaritan, COVID Samaritan and the General Good Samaritan.
“Companies and individuals who would like to donate, may call me directly or the PRC to facilitate the donation.”
The seasoned lawmaker said companies and individuals who would like to donate, may call him directly or the PRC to facilitate their donation.
“Kagaya din nung iba nating Samaritan programs, sa pamamagitan nitong plasma Samaritan program, sasagutin ng pondong ido-donate niyo ‘yung mahihirap nating mga kababayan na nangangailangan ng convalescent plasma para malabanan nila ang COVID. Ang ating sampalataya sa Panginoon ay maisasabuhay kung may mga tao na talagang tutulong at magbibigay-buhay sa mga kababayan natin,” the senator added.
Under the convalescent plasma therapy, blood plasma from COVID-19 survivors will be transfused to a patient who is still battling the disease. Convalescent plasma contains neutralizing antibodies which can help recipients fight off the infection.
Cost ranges from P30,000 to P50,000 per unit of bag of convalescent plasma apheresis product in government hospitals because the blood undergoes a series of testing and processing. Private hospitals charge more than the said fees.