To help citizens afflicted with COVID-19 but unable to avail of convalescent plasma due to financial constraints, the Philippine Red Cross (PRC) on Tuesday announced that it will be launching a “Samaritan” program.
(Photo from PRC / MANILA BULLETIN)
After opening a convalescent plasma center to boost the fight against COVID-19, PRC Chairman and CEO Senator Richard Gordon said: “Gagawa din tayo ng Samaritan program para sa convalescent plasma para sa mga mahihirap para hindi lang pang-mayaman ‘yan (We will also create a Samaritan program for convalescent plasma for the poor so that it is not just for the rich).”
Gordon explained that the Samaritan program will give hope to poor citizens afflicted with COVID-19 because it will ensure that even those who can’t afford it can avail of convalescent plasma.
"Yung makakalap nating pera ay maitutulong 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 money that we will raise can help those who are in need of blood so that our countrymen can live - this is a big help for people who need our assistance),” Gordon added.
Convalescent plasma contains neutralizing antibodies which will help recipients fight off the infection.
Under the convalescent plasma therapy, blood plasma from COVID-19 survivors will be transfused to a patient who is still battling with the disease.
The 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.
The PRC, Gordon said, has other existing Samaritan programs which include the Blood Samaritan, Dialysis Samaritan, COVID Samaritan, and the General Good Samaritan.
He enjoined companies and individuals who would like to donate to 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 (Like our other Samaritan programs, through this Plasma Samaritan program, the fund you will donate will help our poor countrymen who need convalescent plasma to fight COVID),” Gordon said.
“Ang ating sampalataya sa Panginoon ay maisasabuhay kung may mga tao na talagang tutulong at magbibigay-buhay sa mga kababayan natin (Our faith in the Lord can be shown if there are people who will really donate to help give life to our countrymen),” he said.