IVF (In Vitro Fertilisation) treatment will soon be a reality for couples below poverty line. The Indian Society for Assisted Reproduction (ISAR), an association of doctors working in the infertility segment, has come forward to help couples who can't conceive naturally because of infertility and can't afford the treatment.
IVF (In Vitro Fertilisation) treatment will soon be a reality for couples below poverty line. The Indian Society for Assisted Reproduction (ISAR), an association of doctors working in the infertility segment, has come forward to help couples who can't conceive naturally because of infertility and can't afford the treatment.
Who will be covered under the new scheme?
"We have decided to treat 10,000 people below poverty line for free. They only have to spend on the medicines," said ISAR president Dr Hrishikesh Pai.
The ISAR, which has 1,500 IVF experts on board, has also decided to extend the scheme to defence personnel and their spouses.
Why is it being undertaken?
Pai said, "IVF is an expensive treatment, with the cost ranging between Rs1.5 lakh and Rs3 lakh per patient. There are many affected couples who want to have their own child but can't afford the treatment." Also, ISAR said, it's extending it to defence personnel as the treatment is mainly available in the private sector.
When will it be announced?
ISAR has an annual conference in Chennai in April during which the scheme will be announced.
What leads to infertility?
In men, infertility can be caused by low sperm count, due to endocrine problems, drugs, radiation, or infection. For women, it's mainly because of structural problems in the fallopian tube or uterus, or problems releasing eggs. Infertility may also be caused by blockage of the fallopian tube due to malformations. Mental stress too is an important factor.
How does IVF help?
The process involves hormonally controlling the ovulatory process, removing ova (eggs) from the woman's ovaries and letting sperm fertilise them in a fluid medium outside the womb. The fertilised egg (zygote) is then transferred to the woman's uterus.
There are 600 IVF centres across the country.
Welcoming the move...
Dr Amit Patki, IVF expert and president of Mumbai Obstetric and Gynaecological Society, said, "This is the need of the hour, the treatment should be available to all sections of the society. It's a social responsibility of the doctors, to offer free treatment to patients below poverty line."
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