Pune: Civic chief Naval Kishore Ram, in his budget speech for 2026–27, announced that the civic body would soon start an IVF centre in its maternity hospitals. If implemented, PMC will be the first civic body in the state to run a fertility treatment centre. However, no further details, including budgetary allocation, were provided in the speech.Pavneet Kaur, additional commissioner, Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC), said the idea behind starting a govt-run IVF centre is to provide an option for those who cannot afford private fertility treatment.“The centre will offer IUI, IVF, as well as sperm and egg bank facilities, all of which are essential for successful treatment and conception. The modalities are yet to be worked out; however, the rates will be as per CGHS norms. Even those covered under the urban poor health scheme are not eligible for fertility treatments, so our centre will offer an alternative. We are also exploring options such as a public-private partnership (PPP), if that proves to be the most viable model,” Kaur said.Setting up an IVF centre is a costly undertaking, as it requires a dedicated laboratory for various tests. The injections used in fertility treatments are also expensive. Establishing such a facility typically costs between Rs 8 crore and Rs 10 crore. This includes a state-of-the-art laboratory, air purification systems, incubators for growing cells and embryos under controlled conditions, micromanipulation equipment, cryopreservation facilities and a fully equipped operating theatre.The centre would also require dedicated space, with annual operational costs estimated around Rs 2 crore. Equally important is the need for skilled human resources, including embryologists, infertility specialists, andrologists, trained nurses, laboratory technicians, anaesthesiologists, counsellors and administrative staff.At present, there is only one govt-run IVF centre operational in the state, located at Cama and Albless Hospital in Mumbai. Meanwhile, BMC’s KEM Hospital, which announced plans to open an IVF centre last month, is yet to operationalise the facility.While IVF services are increasingly in demand due to rising infertility rates, some have questioned whether this should be a priority given the poor state of PMC’s primary healthcare facilities.“It is encouraging that the PMC is considering an IVF facility. However, the civic body must also focus on recruiting doctors for its existing healthcare services. Infertility among couples is rising due to multiple factors. If the PMC starts IVF services, it would greatly benefit low-income couples who cannot afford private treatment, where a single cycle can cost between Rs 2-4 lakh,” Dr Abhijit More said.Dr Nina Borade, chief health officer, PMC, said the civic health department has not yet received a detailed proposal on this matter. “Only after receiving it, we will be able to provide clarity on where and when the IVF facility will be launched, as well as the exact budgetary allocation.”
