Hyderabad: On Thursday, November 19, Telangana’s Health Minister C. Damodar Raja Narasimha announced the state government’s plans to expand Invitro Fertilisation (IVF) services in Telangana, a step aimed at addressing the growing issue of infertility in the region.

Minister Narasimha expressed concern over the rising infertility rate in the state, revealing that 26 percent of people in Telangana are affected by this condition. He noted the mental distress infertility causes for many individuals and families.

Currently, there are 358 private fertility centres operating in Telangana. Narasimha recalled that in 2017, the then-government had declared plans to establish fertility and IVF centres within government hospitals. However, despite the issuance of GO 520 in February 2023 for the establishment of IVF centres in Gandhi Hospital and Mahatma Gandhi Memorial Hospital (MGM) in Warangal, these centres were not set up as expected.

Challenges in IVF Centre Implementation

Narasimha highlighted the delays in establishing the IVF services, pointing to Gandhi Hospital’s IVF centre, which was launched in October 2023 but lacked essential resources, such as doctors, reagents, and medications, leading to the postponement of procedures.

“Due to a lack of medical staff and medicines, no IVF procedures were carried out at the facility,” he said. However, following the Congress party’s return to power, the health minister confirmed that appointments were made for an embryologist, a gynaecologist, and other medical professionals. The necessary medications were also provided to the IVF centre, enabling it to begin operations.

Progress Under Congress Government

Narasimha also shared that the Congress government had secured permission under the Assistive Reproductive Technology Act of 2021 to establish an IVF centre at Gandhi Hospital in Hyderabad, which began its operations on October 15. Additionally, an embryologist was appointed at the Petlaburj Maternity Hospital, and IVF services became available there starting on December 9.

The health minister concluded by stating that work is ongoing to set up an IVF centre at MGM Hospital in Warangal. Once completed, the centre will offer a full range of fertility services, including follicular studies, IUI, and IVF treatments.

The government’s expansion of IVF services reflects its commitment to addressing infertility and improving reproductive healthcare for residents across the state.

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