As the spiralling cases of the Wuhan coronavirus show no sign of abating, there are many SOS calls for urgent requirement of plasma to conduct plasma therapy on critical patients of the virus. While some recovered patients of the virus hesitate when it comes to donating plasma, a Pune man has managed to become a source of inspiration as he donated plasma for a record 14 times and is ready for more.
Amidst the doom and gloom, the story of a 50-year-old Pune man has emerged as a major balm as he managed to create a record of sorts by donating plasma 14 times.
Ajay Munot, while showing a certificate given to him by the India Book of Records, claimed that “I am the first person in the country to donate my plasma 14 times.”
Munot was infected with the Wuhan coronavirus back in June 2020 and experienced mild symptoms and hence got admitted into a COVID-19 Care Centre. Upon his recovery, he noticed the desperate calls from families of critical patients seeking plasma donors on social media.
Munot who has made all plasma donations at Sahyadri Hospital, Kothrud, said, “I donated my first plasma 28 days after I recovered in July and it was an emergency when a patient’s family was searching for a plasma donor.”
A Tingrenagar resident, Pankaj Sonawane, who has been the benefactor of Munot’s benevolence and bravery narrated how Munot’s timely plasma donation helped save his mother’s life.
Sonowane said, “We approached blood banks who had no stock. We approached a few donors who first agreed to donate, then backed out. Somehow, we got the number of Ajay Munot from the police commissioner where he had registered his name for plasma donation.”
He added, “For three days, we could not get any donor. But on the fourth day, we got it…After receiving the plasma, my mother was out of the ICU after some days. However, she was affected by post COVID symptoms. She recovered from that too and is now living a normal life.”
Expressing his gratefulness to Munot, Sonowane said, “Had Ajay Munot not rushed forth, it would have been difficult to save my mother’s life.”
Munot while urging Covid recovered patients to remove their misconceptions said, “Though I have donated plasma for 14 days, I have never felt weak or uneasy. People have false notions that blood is taken out during plasma donation. Plasma is separated from the blood. Plasma contains antibodies. Plasma donation is not blood donation. One does feel weak or falls ill after donating plasma.”
Stating that he’s ready to go for the 15th time, Munot said, “Even after nine months, I have adequate stock of antibodies in my blood… And I am ready to donate for the 15th time as well.”
The story of Ajay Munot must be celebrated and one hopes that his story inspires more people to donate plasma.