India is grappling with a burgeoning infertility crisis that could significantly impact its demographic landscape and exacerbate an ageing population dilemma, according to Dr. Ajay Murdia, the founder of Indira IVF, one of the country’s largest fertility chains. Speaking to PTI ahead of World IVF Day on July 25, Dr. Murdia highlighted that hormonal imbalances, increasing substance abuse, and shifting lifestyle patterns are contributing to rising infertility rates in the nation.
Dr. Murdia emphasized that approximately 27.5 million married couples in India are actively seeking to conceive but are struggling with infertility. Despite this high demand, only about 275,000 IVF cycles are conducted annually.
“This silent epidemic, affecting one in six couples, is escalating into a national crisis with significant implications for India’s societal structure and economic future,” Dr. Murdia warned.
Data from the National Family Health Survey reveals that the fertility rate in urban India is currently 1.6, compared to 2.1 in rural areas. Projections indicate that by 2050, India’s total fertility rate (TFR) could fall to 1.29, well below the replacement rate of 2.1. This trend threatens to deplete the working-age population rapidly.
Dr. Murdia expressed concern that the current demographic dividend, characterized by a youthful population, may be at risk. The combination of increasing infertility and an ageing population could trigger a demographic crisis, with far-reaching consequences for India’s economic growth and social stability.
To address this pressing issue, Dr. Murdia urged the government to prioritize infertility as a national health concern and to enhance investment in IVF infrastructure, particularly in rural areas. He also called for the expansion of training programs for fertility specialists to meet the growing demand for IVF services.
Since founding one of the first male infertility diagnostic clinics in Udaipur, Rajasthan, in 1988, Dr. Murdia has witnessed the evolution of infertility treatment from a stigmatized issue to a broader medical mission. Indira IVF has since expanded its focus to not only provide advanced fertility treatments but also to raise awareness and address misconceptions surrounding infertility.
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