New Delhi: Infertility is taking couples in India in its vice like grip. The numbers of childless couples are increasing by the day. Hence call for bringing IVF under Ayushman Bharat is in order. Dr. Hrishikesh Pai, leader of fertility experts, raising this demandin IVF summit on World IVF Day speaks a volume about the exacerbating problem of infertility in the country.
Dr. Hrishikesh Pai, Medical Director-Bloom IVF & President-Elect- FOGSI (Federation of Obstetric and Gynaecological Societies of India), a staunch supporter of PM Modi and his great contribution to healthcare, made a fervent pitch for brining IVF under Ayushman Bharat. Dr Pai, speaking in the summit, said, ‘In keeping with the vision of the Honourable Prime Minister, healthcare professionals should strive to pay back to the society and efforts should be initiated to bring IVF under Ayushman Bharat.
On the occasion of World IVF Day, Bharat Serums and Vaccines Ltd (BSV) partnered with Integrated Health and Wellbeing (IHW) Council for the 3rd edition of the India IVF Summit. The day-long virtual Summit had five sessions covering important issues associated with infertility treatment and IVF in India. Some of the significant themes discussed in the sessions included The ART Bill 2021, reasons for rising infertility in youngsters, patient centric approach in fertility treatments and the future revolutions driving IVF technology.
Speaking on the occasion Dr. K. Madan Gopal; Senior Consultant (Health) – NITI Aayog said that, “Accessible and affordable health care is the priority of the government, which is committed towards patient centric initiatives however to include infertility in public health we need more research and data.”
Dr. Hrishikesh Pai; Medical Director-Bloom IVF & President-Elect- FOGSI, said that, “In keeping with the vision of the Honourable Prime Minister, healthcare professionals should strive to pay back to the society and efforts should be initiated to bring IVF under Ayushman Bharat.”
According to reports, India is home to 28 million couples with fertility issues, however the data may vary as owing to societal and emotional issues couples are hesitant to talk about the problem openly. The Summit created awareness on the critical issues around infertility and IVF treatment in India, while dispelling myths and taboos around it.
Dr. Nandita Palshetkar- President ISAR, Infertility Specialist & Medical Director; Lilavati Hospital Bloom IVF Centre-Mumbai, discussed about the causes of infertility in rural and urban sections and also requested the policy makers to include fertility in non-communicable diseases.
The experts focused on the importance of counselling to ensure the mental well-being of the couple seeking therapy and the need to lower the gap between perception and data in IVF and infertility treatment in India for better policy framework and infrastructure.
Dr Ratna Devi – Chair of The Board of Directors; International Alliance ofPatient Organizations said that, “It is imperative that we break the stigma and shame associated with infertility”, she also added that, “Patient Advocacy Groups can play a positive role in the mental health and wellbeing of couples seeking infertility treatment”.
Speaking on the occasion Mr. Kamal Narayan, CEO, Integrated Health and Wellbeing (IHW) Council said that the intent behind the ART Bill 2021 is good, however the existing gaps need to be addressed and implemented in a timely and organized manner.
