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Keeping in mind strategies to handle the third Covid-19 wave and studies showing positive results in the use of Cocktail Antibody Therapy, the State Task Force has said it will play a key role in treatment. However, it has expressed concern over the pricing and has requested the government to make it affordable. The therapy costs around Rs 63,000 per patient. It has been seen as a replacement for plasma therapy.More and more studies have shown favorable results and proved that Cocktail Antibody Therapy is a life-saving drug. The cost has been a concern and we have requested the government to see if the GST can be waived off or if it can be subsidized so that more people can afford it,” said a State Task Force member. The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has decided to buy 5,000 vials of the drug in anticipation of the third wave and is expected to spend ’60 crore on the purchase. Each vial, to be used for two patients, costs around Rs 1.2 lakh and has two doses. Dr. Anant Bhan said, “The cost of the Cocktail Antibody Therapy is quite high, and this will mean that only those with financial means can access it. It is important for us to keep generating local data on its utility and efficacy, as well as plan for mechanisms to make it available to all eligible patients. For this, the government has an important role to play by way of working with the manufacturers of the drugs.” However, a section of health experts also believes that while the cost of the drug is high, when given on time to the right candidate, it brings down the cost of hospitalization and saves the person from critical illness. “From a health economic perspective for the vulnerable group, it is still economical and lifesaving if we compare the cost of hospitalization otherwise. Unfortunately, it is imported and so the cost is high,” said Dr. Shashank Joshi. He said the therapy has been found beneficial and lifesaving for people who are immunocompromised, have cancer, are obese, are on dialysis, or have other comorbidities. It is found to be useful in people who are seronegative, which means the antibody is negative. Dos and Don’ts The state task force has also drafted guidelines on the use of the therapy. “It should be judiciously used and under strict medical supervision. People who deserve the most, can face severe deterioration and threat to life, should be given the drug,” said Dr. Joshi. City hospitals started using Cocktail Antibody Therapy in May-end. “This is a lifesaving therapy indicated for adults and pediatric patients (12 years or older and weighing at least 40 kg) who are at risk of progressing to severe Covid-19. The dos and don’ts have to be stringently followed. It has to be judiciously used and given only after assessing the risk,” said Dr. Kedar Toraskar, critical care specialist, Wockhardt Hospitals and a member of the State Task Force.  Source: https://www.mid-day.com/mumbai/mumbai-news/article/covid-19-cocktail-therapy-the-big-weapon-if-third-wave-hits-23193610

In Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal inaugurated India’s first plasma bank at the Institute of Liver and Biliary Sciences (ILBS) to ease access to plasma that is being used as a trial to treat Covid-19 patients. The rising demand for plasma among the patients pushed the government to set up a one-stop centre for the donors. Plasma was not easily available and the patient’s attendants were running from pillar to post in search of plasma from a recovered patient. What is a Plasma Bank? A plasma bank functions like a blood bank, and has been created specifically for those who are suffering from Covid-19, and have been advised the therapy by doctors. In plasma therapy, the antibody rich plasma from a recovered patient is extracted and administered to a patient. The trials are trying to find out if the antibodies can help patients recover.  Criteria for Blood Plasma? Those who had the disease, but have recovered at least 14 days before the donation can be considered – although doctors prefer a time of three weeks between recovery and donation. People between the ages of 18 and 60, and weighing not less than 50 kg are eligible. Women who have given birth are not eligible, as the antibodies they produce during pregnancy (after being exposed to the blood of the foetus) can interfere with lung function. People with comorbidity such as diabetes, hypertension, and cancer are also excluded. What is the Procedure? Once you reach the centre, a doctor will take a detailed medical history and conduct a physical examination (Height, Weight, Blood Pressure, Temperature, adequate veins for phlebotomy). What Test are Carried out Before Donating Plasma? Laboratory tests are carried out to assess various conditions – serum protein and CBC, TTI testing for hepatitis B virus, hepatitis C virus, HIV, malaria, and syphilis – and for blood grouping and antibody screening. Serum Covid-19 specific IgG antibody concentration higher than 80 is preferred. Can a Patient’s Family Directly Contact the Plasma Bank? No. Each hospital should contact the plasma bank along with the details of the patient who is in need of plasma therapy. How Many People Would Be Benefitted by One Person’s Donation? Each plasma donation would be used to treat 2 patients. The bank collects 500 ml of plasma, depending on weight. How Does Plasma Donation Differ From Blood Donation? In plasma donation, as opposed to blood donation, only plasma is extracted and the other components of blood are returned to the body. “plasma and return all red blood cells and other components of blood. All plasma proteins lost by you due to donation will be formed again in 24-72 hours. How Often Can a Recovered Patient Donate Plasma? 500 ml of plasma can be donated every two weeks, while blood can be donated once in three months. This is safer with very little stress on the body. Plasma can be stored for a year, as frozen plasma will still have antibodies.

Physiotherapy is a rehabilitation science which aims to restore movement and function of an individual who is affected by injury, illness or disability. Physiotherapy is not limited to rehabilitation of injury and the effects of disease or disability but physiotherapist also provides education and advice for health promotion, disease and injury prevention. Our team at Wockhardt Hospitals are highly qualified professional to focus on the science of movement in helping people restore, maximising their physical strength, function and over all wellbeing. Apart from the skilled professionals we have excellent modern facilities and equipment. We evaluate patients and provide comprehensive programs and solutions to clinically manage the patient. We strive to maintain the highest in quality of patient care and personalised treatment to bring positive and effective results. Our Aim is to: Conditions Treated and Managed are: Our Programs Neuro Rehabilitation: The program focuses on assisting patients with impaired neurological needs in aspects of balance and mobility. The main aim is to see that the patient is able to move independently with minimal support. Our department provides techniques and utilises equipment’s that are unique to the treatment of physical disability due to neurological conditions such as paralysis, stroke, spasticity and functional bracing. Orthopaedic Rehabilitation and Sports Injury Prevention and Management: The program is a supervised program designed for patients with impairments, disabilities, physical disorders or trauma such as fractures, dislocations, and sprains, ligaments injuries to muscles, joints, and bones. Our department has developed evidence based treatment modalities to restore activity, strength and mobility to patients. For athletes who have developed sports injuries, we have developed a program where we treat, manage and evaluate the cases , bringing them back to their maximum performance potential. We also have included a sports prevention injury program for athletes after a screening process (Sports Prehab Program) Cardiac Rehabilitation: The multidisciplinary program for patients who have had cardiac surgery or other procedures to get the patient back to their optimal health. Through education, lifestyle modification and carefully supervised exercises we get the patient back to a more productive and healthier life. Paediatric Physiotherapy and Rehabilitation Services: Petals (Paediatric Physio educational therapy and learning Services) is an initiative by Wockhardt Hospitals in association with Sen Rerc, to ensure the overall development of your little one from womb to adulthood in a holistic way in all domains of gross motor , fine motor , speech, social and personal aspects. The centre performs an overall assessment of the child and then planning a custom made program defining the essential needs for every child. Most issues tackled are on conditions where there is difficulty in balance and coordination, orthopaedic issues, muscle weakness, paralysis, attention deficit disorder etc. Some conditions managed by the centre are: Programs Offered are: As part of the program we have included early intervention program (new born children with health issues) which involves counselling and teaching parent’s proper handling techniques. We have included specialised nutritional consultation for children with poor feeding habits and who need correction and counselling.

Parents share their experiences, appreciation and gratitude to the dedicated efforts taken by physiotherapy department at Wockhardt Hospitals Mira Road “Dr Namrata is an excellent physiotherapist and is like a mother to my daughter. The exercise regime that she has planned for my daughter has improved her condition tremendously. It’s a pleasure to come to the hospital. Dr Namrata takes a lot of efforts in teaching the exercise to my daughter. She is very patient and calm with children and I appreciate her work. The physiotherapy sessions at Wockhardt Hospitals is one of the best and definitely show results.” “Our little daughter Aaravi was not able to sit or crawl, thanks to Dr Rajitha and Wockhardt Hospitals, Mira Road, she can. Dr Rajitha is a wonderful doctor and gave us faith and confidence that our daughter would slowly and steadily improve. We had lots of queries and anxieties and Dr Rajitha and team at Wockhardt Hospitals assisted us in every way. We appreciate all their continuous effort and support in improving our daughter and are very grateful to Wockhardt Hospitals.” “We appreciate all the efforts taken by Dr Namrata in teaching our son Manav the exercises. We are grateful for the continuous support. We would also like to mention that the department is well equipped with all the apparatus, equipment, toys and essentials in the department to cater to the needs of children with physical difficulties. The services that we received were beyond our expectations. Thank you Wockhardt Hospitals, Mira Road” “Our son Dheriya was diagnosed with delayed milestones as a child and physical disabilities. We came to Wockhardt Hospitals to and met Dr Namrata. She is an excellent Physiotherapist, very hardworking, conscientious and patient. She developed a customised program for Dheriya. Today there is definite improvement in his milestones. We are grateful to Dr Namrata and Wockhardt Hospitals physiotherapy department for all their assistance and care.” “My son Divyansh Jaiswal was suffering from physical disabilities. He was not able to perform normal day to day activities of children his own age. This affected his overall development. We visited Dr Namrata at Wockhardt hospitals, Mira Road for physiotherapy. Apart from the infrastructure in the department, the team is fully dedicated in managing children with physical and learning disabilities. Over a year we can see the improvement in our son. Thanks to Dr Namrata and Wockhardt Hospitals, Mira Road. “ “My son was suffering from attention issues, and delayed development. He was not communicating with me and was not able to follow simple instructions .As a parents we were very anxious on his development and condition. We have been visiting Wockhardt Hospitals in Mira Road for the past one year. Today, my son communicates with me and tells me simple things like if he is hungry. He even follows simple instructions and his concentration has improved. I would like to thank Wockhardt Hospitals and the physiotherapy staffs, for all their efforts in helping my son improve.” Petals (Paediatric Physio educational therapy and learning Services) is an initiative by Wockhardt Hospitals in association with Sneh Rerc, to ensure the overall development of your little one from womb to adulthood in a holistic way in all domains of gross motor , fine motor , speech, social and personal aspects. The centre performs an overall assessment of the child and then planning a custom made program defining the essential needs for every child. Most issues tackled are on conditions where there is difficulty in balance and coordination, orthopaedic issues, muscle weakness, paralysis, attention deficit disorder etc. Some conditions managed by the centre are: Programs Offered are: For more queries and treatment please contact Wockhardt Hospitals.