Quoting the WHO Newsletter dated April 4, 2023, the minister said that around 17.5 of adults -roughly 1 in 6, experience infertility.
He quoted some more studies on infertility in India.
A study from central India reported a lower 8.9 per cent prevalence of infertility in a community-based study.
Also, a study in 2020 by Purkayastha et al. compared data from four rounds of NFHS and the results stated that the prevalence of infertility had shown a remarkable increase in 2015-2016, especially in the southern states.
On the financial burden of infertility treatment on families and its impact on out-of-pocket expenditure, the minister said that the Health Technology Assessment India (HTAIn) Resource Hub at the ICMR-National Institute for Research in Reproductive and Child Health recently estimated the costs of Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART), including In-vitro Fertilisation (IVF).
“The findings indicate that the average out-of-pocket expenditure (OOPE) for a single IVF cycle was approximately Rs 1.10 lakh at public hospitals and Rs 2.30 lakh at private hospitals. In addition, the median out-of-pocket expenditure for general infertility care (non-IVF services such as consultations, investigations, medications and monitoring) was estimated at around Rs. 7,340 in public hospitals and Rs. 11,834 in private hospitals,” he said.
He further elaborated that the AB PM-JAY provides health coverage of Rs. 5 lakhs per family per year for secondary and tertiary care hospitalisation.
The latest Health Benefit Package (HBP 2022) provides cashless healthcare services for 1,961 procedures across 27 medical specialities.
The Centre has introduced the Assisted Reproductive Technology (Regulation) Act, 2021 and Surrogacy (Regulation) Act, 2021, to regulate assisted reproductive technology clinics, banks and surrogacy clinics, ensuring safe and ethical practices.
NEW DELHI, April 4, 2023
One in Six Adults Worldwide Face Challenges with Infertility
Roughly 17.5% of the global adult population—that’s about one in six people—struggle with infertility, a sobering statistic revealed by the World Health Organization (WHO) in a newsletter released today.
- Around 17.5% of adults globally experience infertility.
- Infertility prevalence varies within India, with rates ranging from 8.9% to increases observed in southern states since 2015-2016.
- A single IVF cycle can cost approximately Rs 1.10 lakh at public hospitals and Rs 2.30 lakh at private facilities.
- Government initiatives like the AB PM-JAY scheme offer up to Rs 5 lakhs in health coverage per family annually.
The startling figure, shared by a minister today, underscores the widespread nature of this often-silent struggle. It’s a conversation many avoid, but one that impacts millions hoping to start or expand their families. But what does this mean for individuals and healthcare systems, particularly in a country like India?
Regional Variations and Rising Rates in India
While the global average paints a broad picture, infertility rates aren’t uniform. A community-based study conducted in central India reported a lower prevalence of 8.9%. However, data suggests a different trend in other parts of the country. A 2020 study by Purkayastha et al., analyzing four rounds of the National Family Health Survey (NFHS), revealed a notable increase in infertility rates between 2015 and 2016, particularly in southern states.
The Steep Cost of Building a Family
What is the financial burden of infertility treatment? According to recent estimates from the Health Technology Assessment India (HTAIn) Resource Hub at the ICMR-National Institute for Research in Reproductive and Child Health, assisted reproductive technology (ART), including in-vitro fertilization (IVF), carries a significant price tag. The average out-of-pocket expenditure for a single IVF cycle is approximately Rs 1.10 lakh at public hospitals and Rs 2.30 lakh at private hospitals.
Beyond IVF, general infertility care—including consultations, investigations, medications, and monitoring—adds to the financial strain. Median out-of-pocket expenses for these services are around Rs. 7,340 in public hospitals and Rs. 11,834 in private facilities.
Government Support and Regulation
Recognizing the financial and emotional toll, the government has implemented several measures to support individuals facing infertility. The Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB PM-JAY) scheme provides health coverage of up to Rs. 5 lakhs per family per year for secondary and tertiary care hospitalization. The Health Benefit Package (HBP) 2022 further expands access to cashless healthcare services, covering 1,961 procedures across 27 medical specialties.
To ensure ethical and safe practices, the Centre has also enacted the Assisted Reproductive Technology (Regulation) Act, 2021, and the Surrogacy (Regulation) Act, 2021. These regulations govern ART clinics, banks, and surrogacy clinics, establishing a framework for responsible reproductive care.
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