Officials mandate IDs, consent before procedures : Reports
HYDERABAD: Many couples seeking fertility treatment and IVF are unaware that the government runs two ART (Assisted Reproductive Technology) clinics in Hyderabad, one at Gandhi Hospital, Musheerabad, and another at the Modern Government Maternity Hospital (MGMH), Petlaburj. Both were inaugurated last year. Since launch, the centres have handled over 5,000 outpatient visits, and 17 couples have undergone IVF.
The IVF Centre at Gandhi Hospital opened on October 15, 2024. Between its launch and June 2025, it recorded 2,388 outpatient visits, conducted 20 IUI (Intrauterine Insemination) procedures, and performed 1,148 semen analyses. The IVF centre at MGMH, Petlaburj, has seen 2,792 outpatients, completed 98 IUI procedures, and conducted 1,666 semen analyses. Together, the two centres have initiated 17 IVF cycles.
Health department officials say couples typically ask about the causes of infertility, the duration and course of treatment, whether the child will be biologically theirs, success rates, and pregnancy follow-ups. “We counsel them on these issues and provide updates on the treatment course during each visit,” an official said.
Families approaching government facilities, where comparable private treatment can cost up to ₹2 lakh and is generally not covered by insurance, require step-by-step counselling on both medical procedures and legal formalities. However, officials note that many couples arrive without valid identification. “Couples must visit a registered IVF clinic with valid ID proof, a marriage certificate, and a marriage photograph to prevent fraudulent activity,” the official said. “If they lack proper documents, they are given time to obtain them from the relevant authorities.”
“At Gandhi Hospital’s IVF Centre, procedures are carried out only after submission of the necessary documents, including Aadhaar, a marriage certificate, a marriage photo, and, when needed, a legal affidavit. Consent forms are signed by the couple in the presence of a doctor before any procedure begins,” the official added.
The government advises couples to check clinic accreditation, verify specialists’ qualifications, ensure proper lab standards, insist on written consent and transparent documentation, and report any suspicious activity to the National ART Registry, ICMR, or the Surrogacy Board. To prevent sample-switching, double witnesses are present during the handling of gametes to confirm the use of the couple’s own genetic material. “We provide clear explanations and educate couples about the options available to them,” the official said.
Amid recent controversies, such as the involvement of former MGMH superintendent Dr Rajini Reddy in the medical college scam probed by the CBI and the arrest of an anaesthesiologist from Gandhi Hospital in a recent fertility scam, the government has not clearly detailed how it ensures no other IVF centre staff are involved in malpractice. On this, the official stated, “The government conducts regular audits of the IVF centres and takes strict action against any individuals found engaging in malpractice.”
