In a recent episode of the State of the Economy podcast hosted by PT Jyothi Datta, Dr. Kshitiz Murdia, co-founder and CEO of Indira IVF, warns of a looming financial crisis if India’s declining fertility rates persist. With approximately 30 to 35 million individuals facing fertility challenges, only a quarter of these seek assistance, highlighting a significant gap in treatment uptake.
Despite increasing awareness, the utilization of In-Vitro Fertilisation (IVF) remains alarmingly low, with just 2% of those affected opting for this medical intervention. Dr. Murdia attributes this underutilization to persistent stigma surrounding infertility, urging a shift in perception: “Infertility is a disease, and there’s a medical solution for it. The stigma around it needs to go.”
The discussion further explores the broader ramifications of falling fertility rates, with Dr. Murdia stating, “If fertility rates continue to drop, we risk transitioning from a population crisis to a financial crisis, as an ageing demographic strains our resources.”
Additionally, he emphasizes the rising incidence of male infertility, asserting its equal importance alongside female infertility in the overall dialogue. To effect real change, Dr. Murdia advocates for making IVF more accessible and affordable, particularly in rural areas, asserting, “Access to IVF must be improved across both rural and urban India to truly make a difference.”
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