Why are fertility treatments not widely available in government hospitals in Tamil Nadu?

Except for Chennai, government hospitals in Madurai and other districts have not yet introduced comprehensive fertility treatment facilities, leaving economically weaker patients with limited options.

What fertility services are currently available at Madurai Government Rajaji Hospital (GRH)?

Madurai GRH offers initial procedures like intrauterine insemination and other medications. Since 2023, they have handled 4,000 outpatients for Level 1 fertility procedures, resulting in 10 successful deliveries.

When will advanced Level 2 fertility treatments like IVF be available at Madurai GRH?

Arrangements to begin Level 2 treatments at Madurai GRH are nearly complete, involving equipment procurement and recruitment of specialized technicians, with the total IVF setup awaiting inspection.

Home / Health / Madurai's Fertility Gap: Private Clinics Thrive, Public Hospitals Lag

Madurai's Fertility Gap: Private Clinics Thrive, Public Hospitals Lag

8 Feb

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Summary

Government hospitals in Tamil Nadu, except Chennai, lack fertility treatment facilities.
Private clinics often do not fully comply with regulations on fee transparency.
Madurai GRH has seen 4,000 outpatients for fertility, with 10 successful deliveries.

Madurai's Fertility Gap: Private Clinics Thrive, Public Hospitals Lag

Assisted Reproductive Treatments (ART) are expanding in Madurai's private clinics, yet public hospitals, including Government Rajaji Hospital (GRH), lag behind. Despite serving a large low-income population, GRH and other district government medical college hospitals have yet to introduce comprehensive fertility services, unlike facilities in Chennai.

Veronica Mary, a health activist, notes that continuous advertising by private fertility centers draws vulnerable couples. She also raises concerns about some private clinics not fully complying with the Clinical Establishments Act, regarding fee transparency.

Madurai GRH has initiated Level 1 fertility procedures, managing 4,000 outpatients since 2023, with 10 successful deliveries and 15 ongoing pregnancies. However, advanced treatments like IVF still require referral to Chennai.