Mumbai: In a pioneering move, the Maharashtra government is set to launch In-Vitro Fertilization (IVF) centres in some selected government-run medical colleges and hospitals (GMCH), providing free treatment to thousands of couples grappling with infertility.
Private clinics almost charge Rs 2 lakh for each such procedure making it inaccessible to the majority of the population.
According to a recent media report, the state has allocated a budget of Rs 64 crore for this initiative, aiming to establish IVF centres in eight medical colleges, with each centre costing Rs 7.2 crore. The decision is a response to the concerning decline in Maharashtra's Total Fertility Rate (TFR), impacting both urban and rural areas.
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The National Family Health Survey indicates a notable decline in the state's TFR, falling from 1.9 to 1.7 between NFHS–4 and NFHS–5, going below the national average. The Union Health Ministry's NFHS-5 (phase 2) reveals a decrease from 2.2 to 2.0 TFR on a national level. Another way to look at the numbers is that the total rate is 2.0 TFR, with 1.6 TFR reported in urban regions and 2.1 in rural ones.
The decline is observed in urban and rural regions, necessitating strategic health interventions. Approximately 10% of adults in India are dealing with infertility, a problem that has recently become a major health problem. Couples from low-income backgrounds have an insurmountable barrier to accessing in vitro fertilization treatment due to its high cost. Taking cognizance of the issue, the state health department plans to make IVF treatment accessible to all, irrespective of economic status or geographic location, by providing it free of cost in government-run facilities, reports
The Indian Express.
“Fertility issues have become quite common across India. Couples have to undergo multiple cycles of treatment priced at Rs 2 lakh per cycle, making it challenging for patients in poor economic conditions to opt for. Now, with IVF treatment available in government facilities, couples can fulfil their desire for parenthood,” said a senior health officer from the health department.
The medical colleges selected for the IVF centres are Swami Ramanand Teerth Rural Medical College in Ambajogai, Punyashlok Ahilyadevi Holkar Government Medical College and General Hospital in Baramati, Shri Vasantrao Naik Government Medical College in Yavatmal, Government Medical College and Hospital in Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar, Dr Vaishampayan Memorial Government Medical College in Solapur, Shankarrao Chavan Government Medical College in Nanded, Chhatrapati Pramila Raje Seva Sadharan Hospital in Kolhapur, JJ Hospital in Mumbai, and Government Medical College in Nagpur, reports the Daily.
These IVF centres will be equipped with essential tools such as high-quality microscopes, centrifuges for sperm preparation, and embryo culture systems to create a controlled environment for cultivating embryos. This initiative reflects the government's commitment to addressing fertility challenges and making advanced reproductive treatments accessible to a broader population.
The officer clarified that the institutes now possess devices such as endoscopy and ultrasonography, but they will acquire supplementary equipment tailored to IVF procedures.
Many parents who have been unable to conceive have found success with the In vitro fertilisation services offered by Mumbai's publicly funded institutions. There are already fifty parents registered at Sion Hospital. Dr Mohan Joshi, the dean of Sion Hospital, said, “The response we have received is very encouraging. Initially hesitant, people take counselling and then undergo treatment cycles. At our centre, 12 couples have successfully welcomed healthy babies.”
Explaining the importance of making IVF more accessible to the public, Dr Nikhil Daddar, a renowned fertility specialist, said, “IVF offers hope. The process involves handling eggs, sperm, and embryos, requiring advanced technology. By bringing IVF to government facilities, we empower needy couples to conceive without financial strain, ensuring that infertility is not a barrier to realizing their dreams of having a family.”
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