Karnataka inaugurates first plasma bank

To combat the unabated surge in COVID-19 cases, the Karnataka Government in association with Covid India Campaign and HCG Hospital in Bengaluru announced the launch of Mission COPE (Covid Plasma Endeavour). 

The state’s maiden plasma bank was inaugurated at HCG Hospital by the Deputy Chief Minister of Karnataka C. N. Ashwathnarayan. Tejasvi Surya, Member of Parliament was the Guest of Honour. 

Covid India Campaign, under the aegis of ICATT Foundation, launched Mission COPE in order to promote plasma donation among patients who have recovered from COVID-19.

Several celebrities and hospitals have pledged their support for this timely campaign. Currently, India has only 4 to 5 plasma banks; the first was launched in the national capital earlier this month.

Mission COPE campaign is headed by Dr Shalini Nalwad, ICATT Foundation Director and her fellow Founder Volunteer at Covid India Campaign, Swadeep Pillarisetti. Dr Vishal Rao, associate dean of HCG, heads the clinical trial for plasma therapy at HCG Hospital.