DRAP permits clinical trials of plasma therapy for COVID-19 treatment

ISLAMABAD: Special Assistant to the Prime Minister on National Health Services Dr Zafar Mirza has said Drug Regulatory Authority of Pakistan (DRAP) has permitted clinical trials of plasma therapy for coronavirus treatment.

In a statement, the health adviser said the DRAP has allowed the local production of raw material of cholorquine as part of efforts to cope with coronavirus challenge. He said the drug regulatory body has also allowed the clinical trials of locally manufactured ventilators.

More than fifty companies have been allowed to produce sanitizers to contain the spread of the pandemic. The companies will prepare quality sanitizers as per the directions of the World Health Organization.

Later while addressing a media briefing, the special assistant said protective equipment have been dispatched to 152 hospitals for one week to stop the spread of COVID-19.  He urged the paramedical staff and health professionals to rationally use personal protective equipment, which includes N-95 masks, glasses and protective kits.

Dr Mirza urged people to demonstrate seriousness and exercise utmost care under the prevailing condition to stop the spread of the virus. He said the death rate in Pakistan is 1.46 percent, which includes 85 percent people over 50 years of age.

The special assistant further informed that overall 4,462 positive cases of coronavirus have emerged in the country. He added that 572 patients have recovered so far, 63 patients have died, while 31 are in critical condition.