Telangana Tightens IVF Rules.. Strict Action Against Violating Fertility Centres

Telangana Health Minister Damodar Rajanarsimha has directed officials to expand fertility and IVF services in government hospitals and strictly enforce ART and surrogacy laws at private fertility centres. During a review meeting with senior health officials at the Secretariat, the minister assessed the functioning of government and private fertility and IVF centres. Officials said the government IVF centres at Gandhi Hospital and Petlaburj MGMH have so far provided fertility services to 39,802 patients, including 20,185 follicular studies, 521 IUI procedures and 545 IVF cases. The minister also directed officials to prepare proposals for expanding IVF services to districts in a phased manner.

The state currently has 477 registered ART and surrogacy centres. Officials reported that inspections were conducted at 379 private fertility centres, with deviations found at 50 facilities. Two centre registrations were cancelled and the permissions of nine centres were temporarily suspended. The minister called for strict legal action against facilities violating regulations and stressed that patients should not be subjected to unnecessary financial burdens. He also directed officials to strengthen monitoring under the PCPNDT Act. Between April and July, 2,600 inspections were conducted at hospitals and scanning centres, with deviations identified at 52 centres. Special surveillance was ordered against facilities suspected of engaging in illegal sex determination.