JNMC installs plasmapheresis machine
Aligarh : The patients suffering from immune-mediated disorders involving kidney and nervous system and other haematological problems will no longer need to visit hospitals in metropolitans for the plasmapheresis procedure as the Jawaharlal Nehru Medical College (JNMC), Aligarh Muslim University (AMU) with its continuing endeavours to provide quality healthcare has installed the sophisticated machinery for conducting plasmapheresis on patients.
JNMC has become the third public health institution after IMS BHU, Varanasi and SGPGI, Lucknow in Uttar Pradesh to be equipped with this state-of-art facility. “The plasmapheresis procedure with this machine will be done nearly at one-third of the cost in most private hospitals, removing the economic burden in the treatment of patients from lower-income groups” said Professor Shadab Ahmad Khan (Chairman, Department of Medicine).
AMU Vice-Chancellor, Professor Tariq Mansoor, a surgeon by profession pointed out that the plasmapheresis procedure treats patients with a range of medical conditions related to the brain and nervous system, rare disorders leading to blood clots, diseases causing antibodies to attack the kidneys and lungs and syndromes resulting in blood thickening and organ damage.
“The sheer hard work and commitment of health workers at the Nephrology Unit, Department of Medicine has led to the installation of the Plasmapheresis machine and University remains resolute to introduce the best of facilities at JNMC,” said Prof Mansoor.
Prof Shadab Ahmad Khan further said: “During the plasma exchange, the machine will dispose of unhealthy plasma and replace it with healthy plasma from a donor. The unhealthy plasma will be replaced with saline, albumin, or a combination of the two.”
He added that the plasma exchange will help in removing harmful substances from the blood and also prevent the body from producing harmful antibodies.
“Recovery after the plasmapheresis procedure done with the new machine is usually quick, and a person is unlikely to stay overnight in a hospital. However, people are advised to rest and avoid physical exertion after going through the procedure,” said Dr Mohd Aslam (Incharge Dialysis Unit).