Plasma therapy not approved as treatment, use only for trial: Govt

NEW DELHI: The health ministry on Tuesday came out with a categorical and emphatic warning that it has not approved plasma therapy for treatment of coronavirus and this should be used only for research and trial purposes till there is robust scientific evidence to support its efficacy.

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 Saket hospital recently claimed success with a middle-aged patient though the method failed to save the person’s father who was much older and in his late 80s.

The Centre’s views indicate that it feels the treatment carries an unacceptable risk and Lav Agarwal, joint secretary in the health ministry, said if