3 KGH Doctors Held for Role in Srishti Fertility Centre Scandal

Visakhapatnam: Hyderabad police arrested three doctors of King George Hospital (KGH) in Visakhapatnam on Thursday in the Universal Srishti Fertility Centre case, bringing the total number of arrests related to the scandal to 25.

Sources on Friday identified the arrested as KGH deputy superintendent Dr Vasupalli Ravi, who heads the Department of Anaesthesia; Department of Obstetrics assistant professor Dr Usha Devi, Dr Ramya of the Paediatric department, said to be a close associate of the previously arrested Dr. Pachipala Namrata, the owner of Universal Srishti Fertility Centre.

Police hinted that a few more doctors are involved in the fertility centre, IVF and illegal surrogacy case, but they are tight-lipped about their names

It is alleged that the arrested KGH doctors had been extending medical services to the Universal Srishti Fertility Centre while simultaneously performing their duties at the King George Hospital.

In particular, Dr Ravi and Dr Usha have been charged with working at the Vizag branch of Universal Srishti Fertility Centre, supporting the illegal practices of its owner Dr Namrata, who is accused of defrauding childless couples in the name of IVF and surrogacy procedures.

When contacted, KGH superintendent Dr Vani told this correspondent that she is unaware of the arrests. She said no official information has reached her regarding the arrests.

Apart from the doctors, others of Visakhapatnam arrested in the case are Chitikireddi Kalyani Atchayyamma, manager of the Visakhapatnam branch of Universal Srishti Fertility Centre, and Vidyulatha, a resident of Visakhapatnam arrested at Hyderabad airport, who is a confidante of Dr. Namrata.

A senior police official, requesting anonymity, told Deccan Chronicle that the number of victims in the IVF and illegal surrogacy racket are likely to increase, with additional victims approaching the police.