Government Fertility Services Reach Karimnagar at MCHC

Karimnagar: The Mother and Child Health Centre (MCHC) in Karimnagar is set to introduce fertility services to support childless couples, particularly those unable to afford treatment at private centres.

The initiative follows a state government decision to expand fertility services in government hospitals amid a rise in infertility cases among young couples.

Fertility services were recently introduced for the first time in the state at Gandhi Hospital, where a baby was born through the IVF method. Following its implementation, the government has decided to extend similar services to Karimnagar MCHC.

Health Minister Damodar Rajanarsimha recently directed officials to take steps for introducing these services during a review meeting.

Karimnagar has emerged as a healthcare hub in north Telangana, catering to patients from neighbouring districts such as Jagtial, Peddapalli and Mancherial. The town also has several private fertility centres.

Public opinion has raised concerns over high costs charged by private centres, with the proposed services at the government facility expected to benefit economically weaker couples.

Hospital sources said fertility services, including investigation, medical management and IVF, would be introduced in phases, beginning with outpatient services. Medical examinations would be conducted to identify causes of infertility among couples.

Officials said guidelines from higher authorities are awaited for implementation of the programme.