DM&HO directs IVF and surrogacy clinics to complete ART Act registration

The District Medical and Health Officer (DM&HO) has directed all fertility centres in the district to complete their registration under the Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART) Act, 2021, and the Surrogacy Act, 2021. The move aims to strengthen oversight and improve transparency in reproductive health services.

The legislation, in force since December 2021, makes it mandatory for fertility clinics and ART banks to register online with the DM&HO’s office. This registration process ensures proper regulation, monitoring, and accountability in providing fertility treatments.

DM&HO Dr. P. Jagadeeswara Rao said that 44 centres in the district have received approval so far:

• ART Level-1 Centres: 10 facilities offering Intrauterine Insemination (IUI)
• ART Level-2 Centres: 23 facilities providing both IUI and In Vitro Fertilisation (IVF)
• ART Banks: 11 specialised centres for egg and sperm storage

In addition, nine centres have been cleared to offer surrogacy services. These approvals were granted after what Dr. Rao described as a “stringent, multi-layered scrutiny process” to uphold ethical standards.

Doctors have welcomed the directive. “The Act ensures transparency and ethical practices. It helps patients place their trust in centres that meet scientific and legal standards,” said Dr. M. Sravya, a fertility specialist.

For couples undergoing treatment, the move brings relief. “We have been considering IVF for some time but were unsure which clinics were safe. Knowing that authorities are monitoring them gives us confidence,” said Ramesh Kumar, an IT professional.

Some smaller facilities expressed concerns over compliance. “The requirements are rigorous. Clinics in semi-urban areas will need guidance and support to complete the process,” said Dr. S. Anil, who runs an ART Level-1 centre.

Women’s rights activists highlighted that regulation alone is not enough. “Many women in rural areas are not familiar with their rights under the Act. Awareness campaigns must go hand in hand with enforcement,” said Lakshmi Devi, a social worker.

Dr. Rao assured that his office is committed to making the registration process smooth. “Our priority is to safeguard patients and ensure ethical reproductive care,” he said.