Mumbai, July 1: The Maharashtra government has initiated action against unauthorized sonography and in-vitro fertilization (IVF) centers operating without approval. This move aims to curb illegal gender testing and unethical practices across the state.
Public Health and Family Welfare Minister Prakash Abitkar announced in the Maharashtra Assembly that the government plans to implement the Maharashtra Control of Organized Crime Act (MCOCA) against violators. This declaration came during a session where MLA Abu Azmi raised serious concerns regarding unregulated IVF facilities throughout the state.
Other legislators, including Harish Pimpal, Ajay Chaudhary, Yogesh Sagar, and Rahul Patil, participated in the discussion by asking additional questions. Minister Abitkar highlighted the alarming increase in unnecessary cesarean sections and IVF treatments in Maharashtra.
To address these issues, the state will establish a comprehensive regulatory framework to ensure that IVF treatments are only provided based on medical necessity.
“We adopt a zero-tolerance policy against unethical medical practices. Strict legal provisions will be introduced, including the application of MCOCA for those involved in malpractice and violations of the Pre-Conception and Pre-Natal Diagnostic Techniques (PCPNDT) Act. This will apply to guilty doctors, administrative staff, and hospital management,” the minister stated.
He also informed the assembly about recent actions taken by law enforcement agencies. Following the bust of an illegal gang in Badlapur and Ambernath, involved doctors have been arrested. The health department has begun the process of permanently revoking their medical licenses.
Recently, a regional expert committee inspected the ‘BabySure Clinic’ and ‘Indira IVF Center’ in Chandrapur. The minister reported that both centers were ordered to cease operations immediately due to various structural and operational irregularities until they obtain official Level-1 Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART) registration. This case is currently in court.
He further mentioned that the state government is considering including IVF services under the ‘Mahatma Jyotiba Phule Jan Arogya Yojana’ to benefit the underprivileged.
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