IVF finds space in Cong manifesto; experts say it can help break myths, bring down costs

Jaipur: In a campaign rhetoric dominated by caste, quota, ‘appeasement politics’ and competitive promises on welfare schemes, a small pledge made in the Congress manifesto in Rajasthan could go a long way in fulfilling the parenthood dreams of thousands of couples. The party, in its manifesto released Tuesday, announced to include in-vitro fertilization (IVF) under the Mukhyamantri Nishulk Chiranjeevi Swasthya Bima Yojana, with the amount for the scheme doubled from Rs 25 lakh to Rs 50 lakh.A popular assisted reproductive technology for couples struggling with infertility, IVF has largely remained restricted to couples who are financially well-off or stable. The insurance cover for IVF, if implemented, could make the fertility treatment accessible to childless couples who are unable to afford it due to its prohibitive costs.The cost of IVF treatment in Rajasthan can range from Rs 90,000 to Rs 2 lakh per cycle. But, the overall cost can vary, depending on several factors, including the type of IVF procedure used, the clinic’s location, the expertise of the specialist and the number of cycles required.“We see around 10 per cent of the couples abandoning the IVF procedure owing to the expenses involved. It will be a big blessing for them if the government can implement it properly. Since no insurance company, government or private, currently covers IVF, salaried couples can now consider opting for the treatment under the state scheme,” said Dr Priyanka Yadav, consultant at Birla Fertility and IVF in Jaipur.Medical experts said talking of IVF in a political manifesto was also an indication that there was an acceptance towards treating infertility as a medical condition rather than considering it a stigma. “This is a welcoming sign. In Rajasthan, women get married at early age and yet, we see the fertility rate going down. It is kind of a disease that happens owing to multiple reasons. With this initiative, the cost of IVF treatment may also come down,” said Dr Aruna Kalra of the department of gynaecology and obstetrics at CK Birla Hospital.“It is a good thing that political parties are talking about it. This will help people break the stigma and accept that infertility can be treated,” noted Chhaya Pachauli, state coordinator, Jan Swasthya Abhiyaan. Chhaya, however, cautioned that the government “needs to ensure it is not exploited by hospitals”.

Put on manifesto, IVF may become accessible to poor

The Congress party in Rajasthan has included in-vitro fertilization (IVF) under a state health insurance scheme. The move is aimed at making IVF more accessible and affordable for childless couples who are unable to afford the prohibitive costs of the treatment. Currently, IVF is mostly accessible to financially well-off couples. The inclusion of IVF in the state scheme is seen as a positive step towards destigmatizing infertility and treating it as a medical condition. However, there are concerns that hospitals may exploit the scheme.

Govt picks eight hospitals for IVF, IUI for ST couples

The state government of Goa has empanelled eight hospitals under a scheme to provide financial assistance for infertility treatment to Scheduled Tribe couples. The hospitals will offer IVF and IUI procedures for a period of five years. The empanelled hospitals include Dr Kedars Maternity, Infertility & Surgical Hospital in Panaji, Gracias Maternity Hospital and Sinai Clinic and Hospital in Margao, Kamat Nursing Home and Platicare Hospital in Ponda, Clinic and Medical Centre in Mapusa, Pai Hospital in Vasco, and Dr Buvajis Hospital and IVF Centre in Curchorem.

UP cops bust gang supplying minor girls to IVF centres for egg donation, arrest 5

The Varanasi Commissionerate police have arrested five members of a gang involved in supplying minor girls to IVF centres. The gang would promise girls from financially weak backgrounds Rs 30,000 to donate their eggs at the centres. The girls were made to appear older and married by using fake Aadhaar cards and traditional marriage symbols. The gang was found to be in contact with middlemen from the IVF centres.

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