The BMC’s recent decision to make IVF treatments more affordable for Mumbaikars could be a game-changer for many couples struggling with infertility, particularly those from lower-income backgrounds. On February 4, 2025, the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) announced a significant investment in IVF centres at three of its hospitals—King Edward Memorial (KEM) Hospital, BYL Nair Charitable Hospital, and Lokmanya Tilak Municipal General Hospital (Sion). This is part of the BMC’s larger healthcare infrastructure budget of ₹7,380.44 crore, with ₹2,455.89 crore allocated to expand health services, including IVF treatment.
What Does This Mean for Mumbaikars?
Affordable IVF for All: IVF treatments can be incredibly expensive, with private clinics charging anywhere from ₹4 lakh to ₹8 lakh per cycle, in addition to other costs like annual fees for storing eggs or embryos. For many couples, this price is simply unaffordable, especially for those in lower-income brackets. The BMC’s move aims to subsidize IVF costs, potentially bringing treatment down to as low as ₹25,000 to ₹30,000 per cycle at civic-run hospitals.
Addressing Rising Infertility Rates: Infertility, both male and female, is a growing issue in urban India, with the National Family Health Survey (NFHS) 2019-21 reporting a decline in the national total fertility rate (TFR) to 2.0, with urban areas faring even worse at 1.6. The BMC’s initiative is a response to these rising infertility rates, which are further compounded by the stigma surrounding male infertility in India.
Destigmatizing IVF and Infertility Conversations: The BMC’s initiative is expected to destigmatize IVF and infertility-related discussions, particularly among economically weaker sections of society. In India, infertility often remains a taboo topic, and the high cost of treatment keeps many couples from seeking help. The BMC’s plan to offer subsidized and even free IVF at hospitals like Sion could offer new hope for couples who might otherwise have felt excluded from such opportunities.
Free IVF Treatment at Sion Hospital: Sion Hospital has already been offering free fertility treatments to underprivileged couples, and the goal is to expand this service further. Dr. Mohan Joshi, Dean of Sion Hospital, explains that the hospital aims to provide completely free IVF treatment for those who are eligible, which will significantly reduce the financial burden for many couples. Additionally, IVF success rates at Sion Hospital have improved dramatically since the launch of its IVF centre, with the number of successful cases rising from 23 to 70-80 in a short period.
Counseling and Mental Health Support: In addition to making IVF more affordable, BMC hospitals will also focus on providing mental health support and counseling for couples undergoing fertility treatments. This aspect of treatment is often overlooked in the private sector but is crucial in helping patients navigate the emotional and psychological challenges that come with IVF. At both Sion and KEM hospitals, patients will be provided with pre-treatment counseling and mental health support throughout their journey.
Challenges Ahead: While the BMC’s IVF initiative is a positive step, there are challenges ahead. Long waiting times and lack of resources at government hospitals have been a concern in similar schemes in other parts of India, such as Delhi. For instance, Anjali Jha, a freelance journalist, shared her experience with the Delhi government’s fertility treatment options, highlighting the delays and lack of counseling for women in the public system. The BMC will need to address such potential bottlenecks to ensure that the initiative does not become overwhelmed and remains effective for all those who need it.
Looking Ahead:
While there are still challenges to overcome, the BMC’s initiative to provide affordable IVF treatment in Mumbai is a significant step forward. The move could provide life-changing opportunities for couples who are otherwise unable to afford IVF, giving them a fair chance at building their families. As Aarti Mehra, a successful IVF patient, points out, “Everyone who wants a baby should have a fair chance to have one, no matter what their financial standing might be.”
For Mumbaikars, this initiative provides hope, offering an affordable alternative to the private sector’s high treatment costs. The success of this program, however, will depend on how well the BMC can manage capacity, waiting times, and the emotional needs of couples undergoing IVF. But with the right infrastructure, support, and accessibility, it has the potential to bring significant change for families struggling with infertility in Mumbai.
Related topics:
Femasys Expands Reach with Approval for Key Women’s Health Devices in Israel
Infertility Treatment’s Emotional and Work-Life Impact: A Study Highlights New Challenges
In Vitro Maturation: A Less Invasive, More Affordable Alternative to IVF
