IVF services to be offered at IGMH from this year with new fertility center

Indira Gandhi Memorial Hospital is to get a new fertility center, after which In Vitro Fertilization (IVF) treatments will be introduced within the year.

In a press conference held last Thursday by Male' Group of Hospitals, CEO Ibrahim Abdul Razzaq Haleem said that in accordance with President Dr Mohamed Muizzu's pledge, a fertility center will be established at the hospital, with services slated to commence within the coming month.

Haleem said that once the center is established, IVF treatments will also be offered.

While a dedicated fertility center is being set up, the hospital even at present has a 'National Uro-Renal and Fertility Center' that is run in collaboration with India's NU Hospital.

Haleem said that the current centre, although is named as a fertility centre, does not provide actual fertility treatment and is there 'in name alone'. Instead, the centre offers high quality urology and kidney treatments, he said.

"The National Fertility Centre that we are going to establish won't be just a name board. This centre will be established with all the necessary facilities and equipment to provide IVF. Meaning, after consulting doctors here, everything can be done at Dharumavantha Hospital," he said.

Deputy CEO of Dharumavantha Hospital Dr Shah Mahir said that adequate work has not been done to date to provide fertility treatment. He said that the efforts now to build an independent fertility center will pose convenience to service seekers.

"What we want is to stand on our feet, and minimize collaboration with other hospitals as much as we can. As such, we will independently do the work as much as we can take the load, without partnering with foreign parties," Mahir said.

He added that those approved by NSPA for IVF treatment will be provided treatment under those guidelines.

At present, Tree Top Hospital is the only medical facility in the country that provides IVF treatment.