Telangana to crack down on illegal IVF centres, considers cancelling doctors’ licences

The Telangana government has decided to take stringent action against private in-vitro fertilisation (IVF) centres involved in illegal activities, including the procurement of human eggs through unauthorised networks, with Health Minister C. Damodar Raja Narasimha directing officials to permanently cancel the registrations of centres found to be involved in such practices.

The Minister also directed officials to examine the possibility of revoking the medical licences of doctors found complicit in such activities, in consultation with the State Medical Council and the National Medical Commission.

At a review meeting with senior Health department officials in Hyderabad on Friday, the Minister reviewed the investigation into an alleged illegal egg procurement racket and the measures being taken to regulate private fertility centres.

The Minister said the government had earlier intervened to address irregularities at Srushti Fertility Centre and had now succeeded in identifying and apprehending a gang allegedly involved in the illegal procurement of oocytes (eggs). He said the Health department in coordination with the police, was maintaining surveillance and conducting inspections to prevent such activities.

Directing officials to conduct a comprehensive investigation into the individuals and organisations involved, the Minister called for strict legal action against those found guilty.

The Minister further directed officials to strengthen the implementation of the Surrogacy (Regulation) Act and the Assisted Reproductive Technology (Regulation) Act. He asked the Health Secretary Christina Z. Chongthu to constitute an expert committee to study regulatory practices followed by other States and suggest measures to improve enforcement in Telangana.

The committee would also examine the possibility of introducing additional State-level regulatory measures and guidelines within the framework of the existing Central legislation.

The Minister instructed officials to maintain continuous surveillance over private IVF centres and initiate stringent action against institutions violating prescribed norms. He also directed the Drug Control Authority to monitor the entire supply chain of medicines used in IVF treatment, from manufacturing to sale.

Published - November 06, 2026 08:46 pm IST