National Health Priority: Dr. Ajay Murdia Calls for IVF Inclusion Under Insurance

Dr. Ajay Murdia, founder of Indira IVF, urges the government to prioritize infertility as a national health issue and incorporate IVF treatments under insurance. Emphasizing the severe financial burden, he highlights the need for investment in rural IVF infrastructure and policy changes to ensure accessible fertility care for all.

Dr. Ajay Murdia, founder and chairman of Indira IVF, has called on the Centre to consider infertility a national health priority and include IVF treatments under insurance. Murdia stressed the urgent need for investment in IVF infrastructure, particularly in rural areas.

Addressing the stark financial divide, Murdia told PTI that the monetary burden of seeking IVF treatments in India makes them inaccessible to many. He highlighted how the Ayushman Bharat scheme has expanded healthcare access and suggested that including IVF could similarly benefit millions.

He cited estimates indicating that 27.5 million married couples face infertility, yet only 275,000 IVF cycles are performed annually. Murdia termed this a 'silent epidemic' with far-reaching societal and economic consequences. The financial toll of IVF treatments, costing up to Rs 2-3 lakh per cycle, pushes countless families into debt.

(With inputs from agencies.)