Karimnagar Mother and Child Health Centre to introduce phased government fertility services

The Telangana state government is set to introduce phased fertility and IVF services at the Mother and Child Health Centre (MCHC) in Karimnagar. The initiative, which follows a recent directive by Health Minister Damodar Rajanarsimha, aims to provide affordable infertility treatments to economically weaker, childless couples who cannot afford expensive private clinics.

The decision comes amid a rise in infertility cases among young couples across the region. To address this, the state government decided to expand fertility services within government hospitals. The services were recently introduced for the first time in the state at Gandhi Hospital, which recently recorded the birth of a baby through the IVF method. Following the successful implementation at Gandhi Hospital, the government decided to extend similar services to the MCHC in Karimnagar.

During a recent review meeting, Health Minister Damodar Rajanarsimha directed officials to take the necessary steps to launch these services at the Karimnagar facility.

Karimnagar has emerged as a major healthcare hub in north Telangana. The introduction of government fertility services at the MCHC is expected to benefit residents not only in Karimnagar but also in neighboring districts, including Jagtial, Peddapalli, and Mancherial.

While Karimnagar town has several private fertility centres, public opinion has raised concerns over the high costs charged by these private facilities. The proposed services at the government-run MCHC are expected to provide a major relief to economically weaker couples seeking treatment.

Hospital sources stated that the fertility services, which will include investigation, medical management, and IVF, will be introduced in a phased manner. The initiative will begin with outpatient services, where medical examinations will be conducted to identify the causes of infertility among couples.

Officials added that they are currently awaiting guidelines from higher authorities for the full implementation of the programme.