Budget 2024: Financial Minister Nirmala Sitharaman will present the Union Budget 2024-25 shortly. Ahead of the Budget 2024, industry leaders from the In vitro fertilization (IVF) segment stressed on the need to integrate preventive strategies.
Dr. Sheetal Jindal, Senior Consultant and Director, Medical Genetics Program, Jindal IVF, Chandigarh highlighted that while allocations for conditions such as sickle cell anaemia and thalassemia in the previous budgets are commendable, there is a need for Budget 2024-25 to broaden its scope.
“We urge the Government of India to integrate preventive strategies like Preimplantation Genetic Testing (PGT) for genetic disorders into national healthcare frameworks. Additionally, there is a critical need for increased funding towards assisted reproductive technologies, specifically IVF. We also advocate for public-private partnerships to ensure equitable access to essential reproductive treatments, particularly for the lower middle class. Furthermore, we propose tax incentives for private healthcare providers who offer discounted fertility treatments to economically disadvantaged patients. Moreover, we call for comprehensive insurance coverage for fertility treatments, addressing a critical gap in current healthcare policies,” Dr. Jindal told Financial Express.com.
According to Dr. Jindal, this should include coverage for multiple IVF cycles, as success often requires repeated attempts.
“Importantly, we recommend the implementation of a nationwide awareness campaign to educate the public about fertility issues and available treatments, reducing stigma and encouraging early intervention. Prioritizing these reforms in Budget 2024-25 can significantly enhance healthcare inclusivity and affordability across India, especially in the area of reproductive health and fertility treatments,” she said.
Meanwhile, Abhishek Aggarwal, Chief Business Officer, Birla Fertility & IVF pointed out that in recent years, there has been an increased focus on healthcare, and government initiatives like Ayushman Bharat – Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (PM-JAY) and the National Health Mission have helped connect millions of people to essential health services and insurance.
“However, given the size of our country, this requires more impetus, particularly through increased public-private partnerships. In the infertility space, we hope to see a greater focus from the government. While India has the world’s largest population, falling fertility rates will have an impact in the next 25-30 years. Research Report published by The Lancet suggests that India’s total fertility rate (TFR) is irreversibly plunging to 1.29, and by 2050, one in five Indians will be a senior citizen. The predictive scenario is alarming. We must not overlook the data and repeat the same oversights made by developed countries,” Aggarwal told Financial Express.com.
Including fertility and IVF treatment under insurance coverage can make affordable healthcare a reality for all, bringing joy to many couples longing for parenthood. It will help build healthy families and secure the future of the nation, he said.
