Telangana Government Takes Strict Decision Against Illegal IVF Centres

The Telangana government has decided to take stringent action against private In-Vitro Fertilisation (IVF) centres involved in illegal activities. Health Minister C. Damodar Raj Narasimha has directed officials to permanently cancel the registrations of centres engaged in procuring human oocytes through unauthorised networks.

According to a report by The Hindu, the Minister issued these important instructions during a review meeting with senior health department officials in Hyderabad on Friday. The Minister also instructed that the possibility of cancelling the medical licences of doctors found to be involved in such illegal activities be examined. For this purpose, instructions were given to consult with the State Medical Council and the National Medical Commission.

During the meeting, the Minister reviewed the steps being taken to regulate private fertility centres and the investigation into an alleged racket for the illegal purchase of oocytes. The Minister stated that the government had previously intervened to rectify irregularities at the Srishti Fertility Centre. Now, the government has succeeded in identifying and apprehending the gang involved in the illegal procurement of oocytes. The health department, in collaboration with the police, is maintaining constant surveillance and monitoring to stop such activities.

The Minister has directed officials to conduct a comprehensive investigation into the individuals and institutions involved in this matter and to take strict legal action against those found guilty. Along with this, he ordered the strengthening of the implementation of the Surrogacy (Regulation) Act and the Assisted Reproductive Technology (Regulation) Act.

Health Secretary Christina Z. Chounthu has been told by the Minister to form an expert committee to study the regulatory practices followed by other states and to suggest measures to improve implementation in Telangana. This committee will also examine the possibility of introducing additional state-level regulatory measures and guidelines within the framework of the central law. Instructions have also been given to maintain constant surveillance over private IVF centres and to take strict action against institutions violating the rules. Additionally, the Drug Control Authority has been directed to monitor the entire supply chain of medicines used in IVF treatment, from production to sale.