Infertility Clinics Set Up at Nanded Government Hospitals
Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar: Nanded district has achieved an important milestone in the field of reproductive healthcare by becoming the first district in Maharashtra to establish infertility treatment centres in every government hospital. This initiative aimed at providing accessible reproductive healthcare especially beneficial to rural communities.
This initiative launched in March of this year, started with 19 government hospitals across the district, including one district hospital, six sub-district hospitals, and 12 rural hospitals. Since its inception, the program has successfully assisted 600 couples in addressing fertility challenges. The initiative is expanding to include all rural hospitals and primary health centres in the district, comprising one district hospital, six sub-district hospitals, 15 rural hospitals, and 72 primary health centres.
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According to a recent media report, Nanded district collector Abhijit Raut told TOI, "As the initiative progresses, it offers hope to countless couples longing to start a family, proving that timely intervention and proper medical care can make a significant difference. We will hold a training camp in the first week of January, following which the services will start across the district."
He stated that these centers have been operating every Thursday at the Nanded district hospital, six sub-district hospitals, and 12 rural hospitals since March. These centers are staffed with trained gynecologists, radiologists, and other specialists who offer counseling, conduct examinations and recommend appropriate treatments for couples struggling with infertility. He mentioned that the aim is to provide early intervention and support, particularly addressing the growing infertility concerns linked to stress and modern lifestyle factors.
The inability to conceive often causes significant distress, especially in rural areas, where the stigma surrounding infertility remains prevalent. This can have devastating emotional and psychological effects on couples. He emphasized that providing easy access to fertility services is crucial for reducing these challenges and ensuring that couples receive the support they need to overcome infertility.
Commenting on the standard operating procedure that will be followed at PHCs, Nanded district civil surgeon Dr Nilkanth Bhosikar told TOI, "We are training our existing health staffers for reorientation and imparting training for counseling of couples as well as basic investigations to ascertain the cause of infertility. Once it is clear that a couple requires specialized treatment, they are sent to centers at the district level with advanced facilities."
Medical experts working in these clinics observed that over 50% of couples facing fertility challenges can become parents with basic counselling, initial investigations, and timely treatment. These clinics aim to address the issue holistically, reducing the stigma and emotional strain associated with infertility. "Our focus is to provide comprehensive support to couples and ensure that they have access to necessary medical care and guidance," he said.
The initiative has received widespread praise, particularly for its focus on addressing infertility at the grassroots level. Its approach goes beyond just medical treatment, offering vital emotional and psychological support to couples, and helping them navigate the challenges of infertility without the stigma or isolation that often accompanies it. Health department officials believe this initiative will have a far-reaching impact and is seen as a model that other districts in Maharashtra, and potentially across the country, could replicate. By integrating fertility services into the public healthcare system, Nanded underscores the importance of accessible reproductive healthcare.
