Project Platina, the largest ever convalescent plasma therapy trial for severe COVID-19 patients, was launched by Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray on Monday.

The CM also granted financial assistance of R16.65 crore to the project by the state medical education department, in which about 500 patients will undergo trial. The treatment is free of cost. "All critical patients will receive two doses of 200 ml convalescent plasma. The plasma of recovered COVID-19 patients contains antibodies that fight the infection," said a note from the government about the trial.