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.
Comments are closed.