Hyderabad: The government has set up a modern In Vitro Fertility (IVF) Centre at Gandhi Hospital. This new facility is expected to help poor women who cannot afford the high costs of fertility treatments. Many childless couples, especially those from low-income backgrounds, have struggled to access IVF services due to the expensive fees charged by private centres.
While wealthier couples can pay large amounts for IVF treatments, many poor couples are left without options. Recently, Health Minister C Damodar Rajanarasimha inaugurated the centre, which is equipped with advanced technology. Experts believe that this new centre will be a great help to those in need.
Doctors explained that infertility can be caused by various factors, including stress, lifestyle changes, and late marriages. Embryologist Dr. G Shiva shared that the centre has advanced equipment for evaluating patients and offering infertility treatments. The best part is that the treatment will be provided for free to those who cannot afford it.
Dr. Shiva mentioned that while some people can pay large sums for IVF treatments, not everyone has that option. Typically, the cost of one treatment cycle is around Rs 3.5 lakh, with Rs 1 lakh for drugs and Rs 2 lakh for procedures. He noted that the chances of conceiving are about 40-50%, but it can be a long process, and some patients may need more than one cycle. Sadly, many people are unable to afford a second cycle.
The good news is that the new centre will follow guidelines from AIIMS and the World Health Organization (WHO), ensuring high-quality care. Dr. Shiva also reassured that there are no major side effects from one or two IVF cycles, and gynaecologists will guide patients on whether they need further treatment.
Additionally, the government has decided to include IVF treatment in its Aarogyasri health scheme, which will make it even more accessible to the masses. There are also plans to open similar IVF centres in other districts like Warangal, Karimnagar, and at Petlaburz Maternity Hospital.
