Bhubaneswar, July 25: The technique of In-Vitro Fertilization (IVF) has come as a blessing for lakhs of barren couples who have been waiting for a child, Ms. Saswati Das, Vice-President of Siksha ‘O’ Anusandhan (SOA) said on Thursday.
Ms. Das was speaking as the chief guest at a program organised by the Center for Human Reproduction (CHR) at Institute of Medical Sciences and SUM Hospital here to mark the World IVF Day.
Stating that the day marked a significant milestone in reproductive science and healthcare, she said that IVF had revolutionized the treatment of infertility and expanded possibilities for parenthood worldwide.
Ms. Das also praised the way CHR had been functioning while coming to the aid of scores of childless couples.
This day not only celebrates the technological advancements achieved but also raises awareness about the issue of infertility, challenges the stigma attached to infertility and advocates for improved access to fertility treatments globally, Ms. Das said.
The program was also addressed by Dr. Pratibha Pradhan, Joint Director (Child Health) and Joint Nodal Officer, Pre-Conception and Pre-Natal Diagnostic Techniques (PC and PNDT) Act and Assisted Reproductive Technology and Surrogacy, Prof. (Dr.) Sanghamitra Mishra, Dean, IMS and SUM Hospital, Prof. (Dr.) Pusparaj Samantasinhar, Medical Superintendent of the hospital, Prof. (Dr.) Manisha Sahu, Professor in the department of Gynaecology and Obstetrics in the hospital and Prof. (Dr.) Sujata Pradhan, Centre Head, CHR.
Prof. (Dr.) Mishra said the World IVF Day was observed to commemorate the birth of Louise Brown, the first baby conceived through IVF on July 25, 1978 which marked a breakthrough bringing hope to millions of couples facing infertility. Since then, IVF has evolved dramatically forming the cornerstone of Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART), she said.
Prof. (Dr.) Pradhan, Head of CHR, said that couples from outside the country were also coming to the center for assistance. She said that delayed marriage and conception, mental stress and stress at the workplace were some of the reasons for infertility. Many couples were opting for the IVF route voluntarily, she said.
Prof. (Dr.) Samantasinhar said the IVF facility had already been extended to the new campuses of IMS and SUM Hospital presently functioning at Phulnakhara and Berhampur.