Plasma Network ‘Shohojoddha’ Launched

'Shohojoddha,' a plasma network, has been developed by the ICT Division, the Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS), a2i Innovation Lab and eGeneration to promote the processing and dissemination of plasma from coronavirus patients.

It is a Plasma Network Platform designed to connect plasma donors and recipients in Bangladesh, according to a press release.

Donors can register on the platform to become part of a digital plasma bank in Bangladesh to support coronavirus-infected patients. The digital plasma network will allow infected patients to search for and collect the necessary plasma when a doctor prescribes convalescent plasma therapy. The portal is accessible via the website www.shohojoddha.com and the Facebook page.

Dhaka Medical College (DMC), Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University (BSMMU), United Hospital, Universal Hospital, Military Institute of Science and Technology (MIST), e-Cab, Praava Health, Pulse Health, OIwell, Grey, Ayat Foundation and Bangladesh Super Market Owners’ Association Pathao, Shohoz, BAGDOOM and Chaldal have become partners of this initiative.

Zunaid Ahmed Palak MP, Minister of ICT at the launching of the network through a web-based program said that the government has taken successful action to keep people safe during this global health crisis.

He said the 'Shohojoddha' platform is a continuation of all government efforts to cure people infected with the coronavirus.

"We want to effectively use the existing infrastructure that promote the public's health and implement IT infrastructure over the existing system to contribute to improved individual and communal health outcomes concerning coronavirus," he said.

Director of Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS) Dr. Md. Aminul Hasan was present as special guest while Project Director (Additional Secretary) pf the a2i Dr. Md Abdul Mannan chaired the programme.

In the event, eGeneration Group Chairman Shameem Ahsan presented his keynote presentation on the ‘Shohojoddha’ platform.

Special Guest Dr. Md. Aminul Hasan said, “Coronavirus is a crisis of a completely different magnitude and one that will require a response of unprecedented scale."

He said that Platform like ‘Shohojoddha’ is much needed in the country’s current situation.

"Health sector needs to adopt with digital technologies like this to fight a challenge like COVID-19. We wish this initiative a resounding success.”

Dr. Md Abdul Mannan said, “a2i has been working continuously to collaborate with public and private sector to initiate a different project. We hope that platforms like ‘Shohojoddha’ will be integrated into our public health system.”

Policy advisor of a2i Anir Chowdhury said that plasma donor does not feel any illness as an only plasma or aqueous part of blood is taken from the body of a corona recovered patient in plasma therapy.

He mentioned that It is easier to give plasma than to give blood and there is no reason to be afraid.

"A major silver lining is that most infected people get completely cured of the infection. I would like to request the recovered people to register through the ‘Shohojoddha’ network so that you can contribute to stopping corona.”

eGeneration Chairman Shameem Ahsan said, "We are living through an exceptional time, and our greatest strength lies in working together. The transmission of coronavirus has become a major concern for our public health, and we need proper implementation of information technology through the collaboration of our government, private sector, and healthcare service providers to keep pace with the ongoing situation. ‘Shohojoddha’ platform is the manifestation of the ideology to bring about technology innovation to our health sector.”

Faruq Ahmed Jewel, Head of Technology for i-Lab at a2i said, “To solve our national problems innovation lab has been doing research with RND partners and researchers. ‘Shohojoddha’ is one of those initiatives that we are launching. Our belief is that the platform will play a vital part in binding different stakeholders to facilitate the plasma distribution in our country.”

Source: UNB