United News of Bangladesh

‘Shohojoddha’, a plasma network, has been initiated by the ICT division, Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS), a2i Innovation Lab and eGeneration to facilitate the collection and distribution of plasma from patients who recovered from coronavirus. It is a plasma network platform designed with the intent to connect plasma donors and recipients in Bangladesh, according to a press release. In the platform, donors can register to become part of a digital plasma bank in Bangladesh that will serve patients infected by coronavirus. The digital plasma network will enable infected patients to search and collect necessary plasma in case of a doctor prescribes convalescent plasma therapy. The platform is available through www.shohojoddha.com web portal and 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. State Minister for ICT Division Zunaid Ahmed Palak MP while inaugurating the network through a web based programme said that the government has been taking successful measures to keep people safe during this global health crisis. He said  ‘Shohojoddha’ platform is acontinuation of all the government efforts to cure people infected by 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 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 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 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 from 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 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.”