Dr. Ajay Murdia, founder and chairman of Indira IVF, has urged the Indian government to prioritize infertility as a key health issue and to incorporate in vitro fertilization (IVF) treatments into national insurance schemes. He highlighted the urgent need for increased investment in IVF infrastructure, especially in rural areas, to address the significant disparities in fertility care access.
Dr. Murdia emphasized that approximately half of India’s 2,500 IVF centers operate without a standardized framework, potentially affecting the quality of treatments. Additionally, most IVF services are concentrated in urban areas, leaving rural populations with limited access and creating substantial gaps in fertility care availability.
On the eve of World IVF Day, Dr. Murdia pointed out that the Ayushman Bharat scheme has made healthcare more accessible for millions by providing financial protection and coverage for essential medical services. Including IVF in this scheme could significantly benefit those in need by making these crucial treatments more affordable and accessible.
Statistics reveal that around 27.5 million married couples are struggling with infertility, yet only about 275,000 IVF cycles are conducted annually. Dr. Murdia described this growing issue as a “silent epidemic,” with far-reaching implications for India’s societal structure and economic future.
The high cost of IVF treatments, ranging from Rs 2-3 lakh per cycle, places a severe financial burden on many families, often pushing them into debt. Dr. Murdia stressed that the shortage of government-run IVF centers further exacerbates the problem, denying countless individuals the opportunity to start a family.
The disparity in infertility treatment access is stark, with many state-funded health centers lacking the necessary facilities for effective treatment. Dr. Murdia suggested that expanding private sector initiatives, such as opening more IVF clinics in rural areas and offering financial support for treatments, is crucial to bridging this divide. He also noted that limited diagnostic facilities in rural primary health centers lead many to rely on traditional practices instead of modern medical interventions.
Dr. Murdia called for comprehensive insurance coverage for fertility treatments to alleviate the financial strain on couples and ensure equitable access for all. While some Indian corporates provide insurance for IVF treatments, and limited coverage exists for CGHS employees and certain state employees, broader government action is needed. Revising reimbursement rates and expanding insurance coverage could help address the financial barriers currently faced by many.
Looking ahead, Dr. Murdia highlighted the importance of scaling up specialist training programs to meet the growing demand for infertility services. Policy changes, including nationwide inclusion of IVF under health schemes and the provision of subsidized or free IVF services, are essential to making these treatments accessible to all.
With India’s fertility rate projected to decline to 1.29 by 2050, significantly below the replacement rate of 2.1, Dr. Murdia stressed the need for urgent action. Without such measures, India faces a future where many are denied the fundamental right to parenthood, compounding the challenges of an aging population without adequate support systems.
“It is imperative that we prioritize infertility treatment as a fundamental right for India’s social and economic future,” Dr. Murdia concluded.
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