Unregulated Plasma Sale in Lahore: Risks and Solutions
LAHORE: In the wake of a rising number of confirmed Covid-19 cases and an encouraging uptick in recoveries, a concerning trend has emerged in the form of a black market for blood plasma, particularly in Lahore, the provincial capital.
People are capitalizing on the desperation of critically ill coronavirus patients by selling blood plasma from individuals who have successfully battled the virus, as reported by The Express Tribune.
The blood plasma, also known as convalescent plasma, is currently undergoing trials as a potential treatment for Covid-19 in various countries, including Pakistan. This plasma contains antibodies produced by the immune systems of recovered patients, offering a glimmer of hope in the fight against the virus.
While many individuals who have triumphed over the disease are altruistically willing to donate their plasma free of charge, a disturbing trend has emerged where some are exploiting the situation for financial gain. Through popular social media platforms, these unscrupulous individuals are reaching out to vulnerable patients and offering to sell them plasma at exorbitant prices.
One such patient, who recently recovered from Covid-19, expressed his rationale for wanting to sell his blood plasma, stating, “I don’t seek to profit from this but rather to recoup the expenses I incurred during my treatment. I spent thousands of rupees on medications, consultations, and sustenance. Given that others are selling their plasma for significant sums, I see no harm in covering my costs.”
This unethical trade is not limited to blood plasma alone. Social media is rife with posts advertising the sale of essential medicines like Remdesivir and Besimivir, crucial for treating Covid-19. Desperate individuals, in a bid to save their loved ones, are willing to pay any price for these scarce medications.
Moreover, the black market is not confined to plasma and medications; the sale of oxygen cylinders has also seen a surge. Prices for these life-saving devices have tripled due to unprecedented demand, with cylinders being imported from countries like China, Turkey, and Russia.
In response to this alarming situation, the Ministry of National Health Services has vowed to crack down on the illegal sale of plasma and the black marketing of essential Covid-19 drugs. Health experts caution against paying donors for plasma, emphasizing that this therapy is still experimental and should not be commercialized.
The Transplantation of Human Organs and Tissues Act 2012 strictly prohibits the commercial trade of human organs and tissues in Pakistan. Offenders face severe penalties, including imprisonment of up to 10 years and fines of up to Rs1 million.
As the nation grapples with the dual challenges of the Covid-19 pandemic and unscrupulous profiteering, it is imperative for authorities and citizens alike to uphold ethical standards and prioritize public health over personal gains. Together, we must combat this insidious trend and safeguard the well-being of our communities.
