The Hindu : New Delhi News : A boon for infertile poor couples

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Wednesday, Feb 06, 2008
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A boon for infertile poor couples

Staff Reporter

AIIMS to offer assisted reproductive technique plan soon

New facility will bring in-vitro fertilisation technique within the reach of the common man
Around six to eight per cent couples are not
able to have a child on their own

NEW DELHI: Bringing the in-vitro fertilisation facility within the reach of the common man, the All-India Institute of Medical Science here will soon be offering the programme for assisted reproductive technique at the hospital.

In India, about 6 to 8 per cent couples are not able to have a child on their own and need some assistance to be able to conceive. The important causes of infertility in male are decreased sperm count and motility and abnormal sperms, while among females the major causes are blocked tubes, inability to ovulate or any abnormalities of the genital tract. Tuberculosis and genital tract infections are important contributors of tubal factor infertility. “The new facility is available in the private sector but is not within the reach of the common man due to its high cost. We will soon be offering the facility at AIIMS which is aimed at helping patients who cannot afford the service otherwise,” said the Institute’s chief spokesperson Y.K. Gupta.

The facility would be manned by a team of highly trained doctors and staff under the leadership of the Head of Department, Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Suneeta Mittal. It will be an advanced IVF centre with the latest equipment and infrastructure and will be part of the national services being provided by AIIMS.

Emphasising the fact that there was a great need for research in the field to improve pregnancy rates and improve cost-effectiveness, Prof. Gupta added: “This centre will be of great benefit to the infertile poor couples. Some couples who are carriers of genetic disorders and have a risk of transmission of disease to their offspring can hope to bring healthy children to life through the application of new technologies of pre-implantation genetic diagnosis. The IVF facility developed at AIIMS will not only provide test-tube baby facility but will also include research in basic sciences, reproductive endocrinology and embryology.”

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