Karnataka plans to launch IVF clinics in Government medical colleges

Bengaluru: Concerned about the increasing costs associated with private IVF treatment, the Karnataka government is mulling to launch IVF (in vitro fertilization) clinics in government hospitals.

This will be considered the first time that an IVF clinic will be installed in government hospitals if the project gets finalised.

While announcing the project, Health Minister Dr K Sudhakar told DH that the clinics would be established in medical colleges in at least four districts — Bengaluru, Mysuru, Hubballi and Kalaburagi.

In vitro fertilization (IVF) is a complex series of procedures used to help with fertility or prevent genetic problems and assist with the conception of a child. IVF costs in India can vary depending on the clinic. In most cases, the IVF treatment cost ranges between INR 1.5 lakh to 2 lakh.

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Due to the high-cost rates of treatment at the private clinic, poor patients have to suffer since they are unable to afford the prices. However, taking this into consideration, the government has decided to offer clinics with assisted reproductive technology at affordable costs or for free at government hospitals.

A proposal was submitted to the minister by Vani Vilas hospital, part of Bangalore Medical College and Research Institute on December 6, which has been prioritised for the project.

Dr Vidya Bhat, Medical Director at Radhakrishna Multispeciality Hospital and IVF Centre, said "On average, IVF in private facilities cost Rs 1.5 lakh to Rs 2 lakh for every treatment cycle. The success rate for the first cycle is 40% to 50%, hence many women undergo multiple cycles and the cost increases correspondingly."

"The demand for IVF is growing but the high costs in the private sector were making it unaffordable for the middle and lower middle classes. IVF centres have mushroomed across Bengaluru in the last few years. Infertility rates are growing among both men and women due to irregular lifestyles, work pressure and emotional issues. So there is a need to establish IVF clinics in the government setup. Currently, only private facilities offer it," said Sudhakar.

Dr Savitha C, Medical Superintendent at Vani Vilas said "The clinic would require separate infrastructure, equipment and human resources. We have submitted a proposal on this. The costs have yet to be calculated, it would be done later by the finance department."

"We can train some of our doctors, but they have regular work too. So we will need to hire new doctors in specialities like embryology and gynecology," Dr Savitha said.

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