Health Minister Orders Expansion of Govt IVF Services, Monthly Checks on Private Fertility Clinics

Health minister Damodar Rajanarsimha has ordered expansion of infertility services in government hospitals and monthly inspections of private fertility clinics. He asked authorities to prepare proposals for in vitro fertilization (IVF) units in district hospitals and to take strict action against clinics that violate rules, exploit patients or use unethical practices.

The directions came at a review meeting with principal secretary health Dr Christina Z. Chongthu, health commissioner Dr Sangitha Satyanarayana and members of the State Regulatory Board of ART and Surrogacy.

Rajanarsimha said government gynecologists should run fertility clinics “at least one day a week” in addition to their maternal health duties. While district hospitals will receive these services in phases, authorities will prepare plans based on the in vitro fertilization units at Gandhi Hospital and Petlaburj Hospital.

Approximately 37,300 patients were treated in these two units established in 2024. Officials said that 23 women achieved a confirmed pregnancy after in vitro fertilization treatment, 510 patients underwent IUI, and 490 couples continued in vitro fertilization treatment.

The minister also asked the ministry to conduct public awareness campaigns on infertility, timely treatment and available options.

There are 464 registered fertility clinics in Telangana. Notifications were made to 60 clinics, the licenses of two were canceled and nine were suspended. Rajanarsimha said every clinic should be inspected once a month. Authorities should check medicines, injections, manufacturers, MRP and purchasing records and take action against clinics that fail to upload mandatory information. Referring to the Srishti Fertility Center incident, he said such cases should “never repeat”.