World IVF Day symbolises the essence and significance of the IVF technique in infertility treatment. In India, only 3 out of 30 million infertile couples could pin their hopes on attaining parenthood through treatment
New Delhi, July 24, 2020: Every year July 24th reminds us of the birth of the first IVF baby Louise Brown. This day also marks a turning point in the history of mankind. By challenging infertility, it has given a ray of hope to millions of childless couples to attain parenthood.
However, in 2020, the onset of the unprecedented COVID-19 crisis followed by the lockdown has posed an even greater challenge for 3 million infertile couples in India seeking treatment. Most of the couples had to postpone their plans of parenthood and those going under treatment could not follow through the complete treatment. A steep fall in the number of patients visiting IVF centres for treatment has been observed during this period. As per the data analysis of around 1100 centres across India from April to June, almost 90% drop was observed in number of people undergoing IVF cycles. However, as centres has reopened with COVID mitigation national & international guidelines, patients have started to return for their treatment.
“Most centres have resumed work observing the international and national guidelines for the fertility treatment during COVID. The old couples may not have the liberty of time like their younger counterparts and it is wise to start their treatment at earliest. The procedures are performed after through risk assessment in a hygienic environment & people must not delay just because of the fear of COVID”, observed Dr Jayesh.
Infertility is no less than an epidemic for young Indians. More and more young couples are seeking infertility treatment. In India, infertility affects around 10% to 15% of married couples. Out of 30 million infertile couples in India, nearly 3 million are actively seeking treatment. The rate is even higher in the urban population where 1 out of 6 couples suffers from infertility and desperately look for solutions.
And during the COVID-19 crisis followed by the lockdown, they have suffered a lot as IVF is a time-sensitive treatment. Every passing week is crucial for couples who expect to become parents through this procedure. The patient treatment schedule has been changed or postponed due to which they have to face huge emotional dissatisfaction and uncertainty. In such a perplexing time, spreading awareness regarding various aspects of reproductive health and assuring such couples through various channels is desirable.
The ongoing situation has resulted in a drop in the number of cases. Out of nearly 2000 IVF centres in India, less than 800 have opened up by the end of June.
Adding a new feather in the cap of ‘Health Awareness’ drive series during COVID-19, HEAL Foundation — a healthcare advocacy group organised ‘Reproductive Health e-Summit’ with the support of Bharat Serums & Vaccines Limited to seek experts’ advice on various topics on ‘Reproductive Health in India’ on the occasion of World IVF Day on 24th July 2020. Ten reproductive Health & IVF experts from across India participated as speakers in the eSummit.
Corporate Comm India (CCI Newswire)
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