KARACHI: Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah allowed health department to invite investors and bring in technology to introduce Plasma Fractionation industry in province. He presided over meeting to discuss Plasma Fractionation Plan which was attended by Minister of Health Dr Azar Fazal Pechuho, Parliamentary Secretary for Health Qasim Soomro, Secretary of Health Zulfiqar Shah, Secretary to Chief Minister (CM) Raheem Shaikh and other relevant officials. Minister Health briefing CM said that Plasma was a liquid component of whole blood and made up 50 to 55 percent of total blood volume. She added that Fractionation was a process by which plasma was separated into individual protein fractions that were further purified for medical use.

Dr Azra said that active process of Plasma Fractionation was conducted at blood banks such as donor management, blood collection, screening, component making, storage, shelf life, quality control, waste disposal, data management, awareness and voluntary blood donation drives.

She disclosed that currently large-scale manufacturers mostly focus on Albumin used to treat severe trauma and terminally ill patients, Immunoglobulins for treatment of immune deficiencies, autoimmune diseases and severe bacterial and viral infections.

Coagulation factor for Hemophilia and Fibrinogen for treatment of liver cirrhosis, postpartum hemorrhage and disseminated intravascular coagulation.

Dr Azra about benefits of having prescription drug monitoring program (PDMPs). She said that for patients it would be an effective, locally available, and affordable prescription. For Doctors, it would be authentic screening methods and utilisation of recovered plasma.

“For Sindh, it would bring in latest technology, improve skills, create job opportunities, generate resources, develop cold chain, introduce screen support equipment, and establish fractionation industry within next two to three years,” she added. CM approved plan and directed health department to bring in investors and technology and suggest changes, if necessary, in existing laws to support plan.

Published in The Daily National Courier, April, 15 2023

Like Business on Facebook, follow @DailyNCourier on Twitter to stay informed and join in the conversation.