Goa: The First Indian State to Offer Free IVF
Goa became the first Indian state to provide free IVF treatment. The facility was launched by Goa Chief Minister Pramod Sawant at Goa Medical College in Bambolim.
The small state of Goa has made big history by becoming the first Indian state to offer free In Vitro Fertilization (IVF) treatment on 14th August 2023. Goa Chief Minister, Pramod Sawant launched the facility with Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART) and IntraUterine Insemination (IUI) at Goa Medical College (GMC) in Bambolim. According to the reports, more than 100 parents had already registered with GMC within 24 hours to avail the free IVF facility. The facility has been introduced in association with an infertility expert, Dr Kedar Padte. CM Sawant regarded this launch as a milestone achievement of Goa Healthcare Department. According to him, the GMC has 19,000 OPD patients and 4,300 deliveries per year. Therefore, the decision to start free IVF treatment was taken as an expansion step to address the needs of the infertility patients of the population. CM Sawant also said that 12-15% of couples in India are affected by infertility and expensive IVF treatments are an added financial burden to the already socially & psychologically burdened couples. He assured that this decision will help unburden such couples and give them a better chance at being able to have a family. He said “Recognising the need for specialized care, we have established a streamlined process. Infertility patients will be referred from the obstetrics and gynecology OPD to the ART center, ensuring a seamless transition from diagnosis to proper workup, counseling, and treatment. This comprehensive approach will ensure that everyone receives personalized attention and the best possible care.” The preparations to introduce IVF treatment at GMC had started three years ago when the hospital received Rs 2 crore in Corporate Social Responsibility Funds but the plan was deferred due to the pandemic. After the pandemic, the hospital utilized the funds to buy equipment for the same. Health Minister Vishwajit Rane pointed out the troubles & scams people face when they go outside Goa for IVF treatment. Rane also declared that Goa Medical College is the first hospital in India that has free of charge IVF treatment. He clarified that money will come through Corporate Social responsibility (CSR) and no money will be charged from the patients.
