Gynaecologists in Hyderabad have urged the insurance companies to extend coverage for people undergoing infertility treatment in the country. As infertility treatments are becoming costlier and as there is a gradual rise in number of people suffering from infertility disorders, it is important for the insurance companies to extend their coverage to this segment of people.

Adding voice to this campaign ARTISTS (Asian Research & Training Institute for Skill Transfer), a premier institute for learning, set up by renowned gynaecologists of the country has also come forward seeking the support of the insurance companies to extend coverage to people undergoing infertility treatment. “Some of the infertility treatments are expensive and couples are unable to afford them because of lack of resources. Insurance companies have to extend coverage for such couples, as being practised in several other nations,” said Dr Madhuri Patil ARTIST Convener and well-known gynaecologist.

“Our intention is to impress upon the insurance companies to extend coverage to infertile couples. We are also seeking the intervention of the governments as well. Infertility can threaten a woman’s identity in the family and society, status and economic security and consequently, be a major source of anxiety leading to lowered self-esteem and a sense of powerlessness. This is not good for a developing nation like India,” pointed Dr Hema Divakar, CEO ARTIST.

Though the International Conference on Population and Development (ICPD) Programme of Action states that reproductive health services should include the prevention and offer appropriate treatment of infertility, the focus on infertility in India’s reproductive health programme across states is found to inadequate. “Under such circumstances, it is imperative for insurance firms to play a significant role to ensure that infertile couples have access to better treatment,” Dr Madhuri Patil added.