Dr. Ajay Murdia, founder and chairman of Indira IVF, has urged the Centre to recognize infertility as a critical national health issue and ensure its coverage under insurance schemes. Speaking on the eve of World IVF Day, Dr. Murdia emphasized the urgent need for investments in IVF infrastructure, particularly in rural areas, to address the significant financial barriers preventing access to treatment across India.
Highlighting the stark disparity in access to infertility treatments, Dr. Murdia pointed out that while millions of married couples actively seek conception, only a fraction receive IVF procedures annually due to cost constraints. He underscored the potential of schemes like Ayushman Bharat in expanding healthcare accessibility but noted the absence of infertility treatment coverage within its ambit.
“With an estimated 27.5 million couples affected by infertility in India, there exists a pressing need to integrate IVF services into national health schemes,” Dr. Murdia stated, citing the economic and societal repercussions of neglecting this issue. He lamented the current financial burden on families, with IVF cycles costing between Rs 2-3 lakh each, often plunging them into debt.
Dr. Murdia further criticized the inadequate government provision of IVF facilities, particularly in rural areas, which exacerbates the healthcare disparity. He advocated for private sector initiatives to establish more IVF clinics in underserved regions and provide financing options to bridge the accessibility gap.
“Rural health centers lack essential diagnostic and treatment facilities, pushing many towards traditional or religious remedies,” Dr. Murdia observed, highlighting the inequality in infertility care provision.
He also raised concerns about the uneven distribution and quality of IVF services, noting that a substantial number of centers operate without standardized frameworks, primarily in urban centers. This geographical imbalance, he argued, further restricts access for rural populations.
Dr. Murdia proposed comprehensive insurance coverage for infertility treatments, including IVF, as a pivotal step towards making these services universally accessible. Such policies, he argued, would mitigate financial barriers and ensure equitable opportunities for couples irrespective of their economic status.
While acknowledging the availability of EMI options for treatments, Dr. Murdia called for governmental consideration of insurance coverage for IVF, currently accessible to a limited demographic like CGHS employees and select states.
“Investing in IVF infrastructure, particularly in rural areas, is crucial to addressing India’s demographic challenges,” Dr. Murdia stressed, urging policy revisions to include subsidized or free IVF services under national health schemes.
He warned of demographic implications if immediate action isn’t taken to prioritize infertility treatment as a fundamental right, underscoring its significance for India’s future social and economic well-being.
“As we face an aging population and declining fertility rates, it is imperative to act decisively now,” Dr. Murdia concluded, advocating for policy reforms and sustained investments in IVF infrastructure to safeguard India’s demographic future.
Conclusion
Dr. Ajay Murdia’s impassioned plea underscores the urgent need to elevate infertility treatment to a national health priority, advocating for policy changes and insurance reforms to ensure equitable access to IVF services across India.
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