AP to establish IVF centre at GGH Guntur

Guntur: In a significant step towards expanding advanced healthcare services in the public sector, the state govt is set to establish an in vitro fertilisation (IVF) centre at the Govt General Hospital (GGH), Guntur. The move is aimed at providing affordable fertility treatment to couples who are unable to access expensive private services.The proposed IVF facility will be developed within the GGH campus with modern infrastructure and specialised equipment required for assisted reproductive procedures. The officials said the centre is being planned in line with the chief minister Chandrababu Naidu's vision on population policy and increasing demand for infertility treatment, particularly among economically weaker sections who cannot afford high-end private hospitals where a single IVF cycle can cost several lakhs.According to sources, the govt has already initiated groundwork for the project, including identification of space within the hospital and procurement planning for advanced lab equipment. The centre will be equipped to handle procedures such as embryo culture, cryopreservation and hormone monitoring, making it a comprehensive fertility unit within the govt healthcare system. The new IVF centre will be set up in the newly constructed mother and childcare centre in GGH.The Guntur Medical College Alumni of North America (GMCANA) has donated Rs 100 crore to complete the MCC, while the state govt spared Rs 27 crore for the procurement of equipment.Doctors at GGH point out that infertility cases have been steadily rising due to lifestyle changes, delayed marriages and medical conditions. At present, patients from Guntur and surrounding districts are forced to travel to cities such as Hyderabad or Vijayawada or rely on private clinics, adding to their financial burden. The upcoming IVF centre is expected to bridge this gap and bring cutting-edge reproductive healthcare closer to the public.The facility will also function as a training hub for medical professionals, strengthening expertise in reproductive medicine within govt hospitals. Specialists, embryologists and trained nursing staff will be deployed to ensure quality treatment and adherence to clinical protocols. In addition to treatment, counselling services will be offered to guide couples through the medical and emotional aspects of infertility. The IVF centre at GGH, Guntur, is expected to emerge as a key referral unit for the region, reducing dependence on private-sector services and reinforcing the state govt's focus on accessible and inclusive healthcare.