Three patients who recovered from the coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) donated their blood plasma to the Philippine General Hospital (PGH) in hopes of helping other infected patients.
In a Facebook post, PGH identified the donors as Ceasar Ian Frias, a seafarer; Roselle Gale Arranz, and Erika Joy Soriano, both nurses.
“Covid-19 Survivors doing their shares! Heroes evidently rise during crisis! In behalf of PGH and all Filipinos! Thank you so much for your brave move!” PGH said in its Facebook post on Friday.
“Maraming salamat sa inyong kabayanihan! You are truly the People Giving Hope,” it added.
PGH spokesman Jonas Del Rosario said the three “brave and healthy” COVID-19 survivors donated their blood for a plasma therapy on Thursday, coinciding with the country’s Day of Valor.
“On April 9, 2020 (Araw ng Kagitingan), the first 3 brave and healthy Covid 19 Filipino survivors generously donated their blood for the Convalescent Plasma Therapy vs Covid 19 to the Philippine General Hospital,” he said in a Facebook post.
Del Rosario commended the donors and said they “rose above the stigma and showed the world that their plasma is a gift of life.”
Earlier, the PGH said the blood of the recovered patients contains antibodies that could help fight the disease.
The PGH recently began serving as a COVID-19 referral center, per the request of Health Secretary Francisco Duque III.
As of posting, a vaccine or cure for COVID-19 has yet to be discovered.
On Friday, the Department of Health listed 4,195 COVID-19 cases in the country with 221 deaths and 140 recovered patients.
The PGH is still looking for more COVID-19 survivors who are willing to donate their blood plasma. Those who wish to donate may reach the hospital at 155-200. (Minka Tiangco)