Latest news with #AbhishekAggrawal
Hans India
25-07-2025
- Health
- Hans India
IVF Day 2025: Insights And Hopes From Industry Experts For Future Families
Parenthood has always been a blessing, but for many, the road to becoming a parent is not always smooth. Today, as the world pauses to honor a day of profound importance, we commemorate a significant medical milestone: in vitro fertilization (IVF). IVF is more than simply a scientific phrase; it represents the fulfillment of countless dreams and the undying spirit of hope that exists within every woman. In fact, over the years, IVF has transformed into a landscape of family building, lighting the way for those on their journey to parenthood. Therefore, to celebrate this extraordinary occasion, we've gathered insights from the experts in the healthcare sector. These individuals have shared their thoughts on the life-changing transformations that IVF brings for people. So, let's look at what IVF means today and what it can offer future generations. Abhishek Aggrawal, CEO, Birla Fertility & IVF, said, "When it comes to IVF, the financial cost is only half the story. The most often overlooked cost is time. Many couples today choose to postpone parenthood for career, financial or personal reasons, which is understandable given the demands of modern life. What many may not realize is how significantly age can affect fertility over time, especially for women. A woman is born with around 2 million eggs, yet by 35 only a small fraction of that reserve remains. Research also shows that after 35, sperm quality begins to decline gradually as well." "We meet many couples who come to us after years of trying on their own or after other interventions, often feeling overwhelmed by the emotional and financial strain. Our role is not just to provide treatment but also to guide couples with clear, upfront information about their timelines, chances of success, and the best way forward based on their unique situation. At Birla Fertility & IVF, we believe that reliable care begins with proactive care. Our integrated approach combines transparent counselling, advanced clinical care and emotional support to help couples make informed decisions without unnecessary delays. Fertility care should always be effective, ethical and compassionate, and that is what we aim to deliver every day," he added. Mr. Sombrata Roy, Unit Head, CK Birla Hospitals, CMRI Kolkata, commented, "World IVF Day is a reminder of how far we have advanced in accessibility and compassion in reproductive care. Infertility is a serious and complex health issue that is becoming more common, but we can make a difference with awareness and proactive treatment. Preventive care is also critical—with HPV vaccination as an example, providing young girls protection against a detrimental health future—potential future infertility through cervical cancer. However, by opening the conversation to both fertility and prevention, CMRI has taken the initiative of giving free HPV vaccination, leading towards a healthier tomorrow for women and girls aged 9-26." "Every year, IVF Day is a strong reminder of how far reproductive medicine has come. It has made something that seemed impossible a reality for millions of parents who are hopeful. It's a day to honor the amazing mix of science, accuracy, and kindness that makes assisted reproductive technology possible. Each embryo is not only a possibility but also the result of years of hard work, new technology, and a commitment to giving hope a chance to grow. Medical science has come a long way since the first IVF baby was born decades ago. The journey to today's advanced methods shows this. IVF not only helps couples and people who can't have kids have kids, but it also makes them feel better emotionally. We celebrate hope today. Every ultrasound image of a consultation, procedure, or heartbeat gives us new hope. As science moves forward, the promise of being a parent grows. IVF Day isn't just about happy endings; it's also about strength, understanding, and never giving up on starting over, stated Dr. Parul Prakash, Senior Consultant, Head - Reproductive Medicine, IVF, Artemis Hospitals. So, if you want to experience the joy of parenthood but aren't sure how to plan or what to do, schedule a consultation today. Because IVF is more than simply a medical procedure, it is also a journey of resilience and the desire to experience the joy of parenting.
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Business Standard
25-07-2025
- Health
- Business Standard
Egg freezing sees surge in demand across Indian cities as infertility rises
A growing number of Indian women are turning to egg freezing as a way to take control of their reproductive futures, as delayed motherhood, increasing infertility, and growing awareness around fertility preservation drive demand across the country. IVF chains and fertility specialists report a marked uptick in inquiries — with some seeing as many as 500 to 800 inquiries per month — for what was once considered a niche service. The Indian egg freezing and embryo banking market was valued at $206 million in 2023 and is projected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 17.4 per cent to reach $632.5 million by 2030. Medical reasons and lifestyle choices drive demand 'While many women are postponing family planning to focus on education, careers and personal goals, awareness of medical egg freezing is increasing among women with conditions such as PCOS, endometriosis or those undergoing fertility-impacting treatments like chemotherapy,' said Abhishek Aggrawal, chief executive officer, Birla Fertility and IVF. He added that their centres receive 500–800 egg freezing enquiries per month. "At our clinics, we find that egg freezing is most commonly chosen by professionals who are early to mid in their careers, who are aware of fertility preservation and want to plan their timelines proactively. This includes a significant number of women from corporate and entrepreneurial backgrounds, and we are also seeing growing interest from doctors and healthcare professionals. These women see fertility preservation as an important part of both their personal and professional planning," Aggrawal explained. Elective egg freezing on the rise Experts believe that egg freezing will become a core part of fertility services in the coming decade, both from a medical and commercial standpoint. Beena Muktesh, clinical director–IVF at Motherhood Fertility & IVF, Gurgaon, stated, 'We are seeing a steady rise in egg freezing inquiries. While about 15 per cent of our consultations in 2023–24 focused on egg freezing, this year there has been a 20–25 per cent increase in consultations specifically for elective egg freezing.' Currently, egg freezing represents a small fraction of the fertility services market in India, but industry leaders expect this to change. 'While precise revenue contributions are difficult to quantify, trends in India appear to reflect patterns seen in the US and Europe, where both revenues and patient numbers for egg freezing have been rising steadily in recent years,' Aggrawal added. 'In India, too, the segment is gaining traction, especially in urban areas and among working professionals.' Google Trends data shows searches for 'egg freezing' in India have risen by over 150 per cent in the past year, with the highest traction in Delhi, Mumbai and Bengaluru. Clinics across the country are seeing this translate into action. At Yellow Fertility, which currently has three centres, monthly egg freezing inquiries average around 50–60, with a growing share from women in their late 20s and early 30s. 'It's about giving women choices,' said Ambika Bhaik, the company's chief executive officer. 'Whether it's career, health, or simply not being ready, every frozen egg represents the ability to plan life on one's own terms.' The surge is being felt most sharply in metro cities such as Mumbai, Delhi NCR, Bengaluru, Hyderabad and Pune. However, Tier-2 cities including Ahmedabad, Chandigarh, Kochi, Indore and Lucknow are also witnessing steady growth as awareness and accessibility increase. Cost and customisation options expand Egg freezing typically ranges between Rs 80,000 and Rs 250,000 per cycle, depending on the clinic, city and specifics of treatment. 'This includes consultation, diagnostic tests, hormone injections, egg retrieval, freezing and storage. Hormonal medication alone can take up a big share of the cost,' stated Gauri Agarwal, founder of Seeds of Innocence. Most clinics bundle in the first year of storage, with annual charges thereafter between Rs 10,000 and Rs 30,000. To expand reach, providers are offering flexible payment plans and modular packages. 'At Yellow Fertility, we've introduced instalment-based and customisable programmes to make egg freezing financially accessible for middle-income women as well,' Bhaik said. Fertility preservation as reproductive insurance Experts revealed that the rise in egg freezing is closely tied to increasing infertility rates, particularly as more women delay marriage or childbirth due to career or personal reasons. Egg freezing is now increasingly seen as a form of reproductive insurance. Mahesh Koregol, national strategy director (fertility specialist) at Nova IVF Fertility, Koramangala, Bengaluru, stated, 'As fertility naturally declines with age, egg freezing allows women to preserve their eggs when they are healthier and more viable.' The egg freezing process is also the start of the IVF cycle, where eggs are retrieved, frozen and later fertilised when the individual is ready to conceive. 'It serves as both a preventive and preparatory measure to manage future fertility risks,' Koregol added. Experts believe the ideal window for egg freezing is before 35 years of age, when egg quality and quantity are still favourable. "While it can still be done after that, success rates drop with age due to natural ovarian ageing," Shweta Mittal Gupta, senior fertility specialist at Sir Ganga Ram Hospital and secretary general of the Indian Fertility Society, added. Corporate backing, social change fuel adoption Experts also attribute the rise in egg freezing to broader changes in social norms, better fertility education and corporate support. Nova IVF says more than 80 companies have collaborated with it in the past two years to hold fertility education sessions. Shobhit Agarwal, chief executive officer, Nova IVF Fertility, stated, 'There is greater awareness of procedures like egg freezing, thanks to conversations on social media and celebrities opening up about it.' Data from multiple providers points to the emergence of a distinct demographic: working women, mostly in their early-to-mid 30s, from professional backgrounds such as IT, healthcare, aviation, law and entrepreneurship. Increasingly, this also includes single women and NRIs who want to preserve their fertility options for the future. With India's fertility rate already below the replacement level of 2.1, experts say fertility preservation services like egg freezing could play a vital role in addressing future demographic and reproductive challenges. As the technology improves and stigma around assisted reproductive options declines, fertility specialists expect egg freezing to become a routine part of reproductive healthcare in India over the next decade.
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Business Standard
22-06-2025
- Health
- Business Standard
IVF players on expansion mode in smaller towns as fertility rates go down
Major in-vitro fertilisation (IVF) chains are expanding into untapped Tier 2 and 3 cities, driven by improved healthcare infrastructure, growing acceptance of fertility treatments, and rising disposable incomes in smaller urban centres. Birla Fertility and IVF, which currently operates around 30 centres in Tier 2 and 3 cities, plans to open at least 15 to 16 more centres in FY26, two-thirds of which will be in smaller towns. Nova IVF, which derives 40 per cent of its revenue from such cities, is exploring expansion in 15 locations including Haldwani, Jamnagar and Meerut. Indira IVF, the country's largest infertility chain, has also announced plans to enter over 25 Tier 3 cities by FY27. Explaining the rationale, Shobhit Agarwal, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Nova IVF Fertility, said, 'With one in six couples experiencing infertility in India, there is a need for fertility chains to expand to cater to couples battling infertility.' A recent United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) report highlighted that India's total fertility rate (TFR) has fallen to 1.9 births per woman — below the replacement level of 2.1. The report echoes findings from the National Family Health Survey (NFHS)-5, which pegged India's TFR at 2.0 births per woman for 2019–21. The NFHS-5 also found the fertility rate had declined more significantly in rural areas, where it stood at 2.1 — down from 3.7 in NFHS-1 (1992–93). In urban areas, it fell to 1.6 from 2.7 in the same period. While infertility is not the sole factor behind the falling TFR, experts suggest infertility cases are expected to rise beyond Tier 1 cities, fuelled by stress-related lifestyle diseases and climate change. Industry insiders say IVF players are already witnessing increased demand for infertility treatment from Tier 2 and 3 cities. Abhishek Aggrawal, CEO of Birla Fertility and IVF, told Business Standard that more than 50 per cent of the company's annual IVF cycles are conducted in cities such as Siliguri, Varanasi and Prayagraj. 'While there is a rising segment in metros, with IVF chains receiving queries from women for procedures like egg freezing to delay parenthood, Tier 2 cities are providing an opportunity to tap less penetrated, high-potential markets,' he said. Agarwal added that many couples from Tier 2 regions find it difficult to travel to larger cities for fertility treatment, as the cost of travel, accommodation and lost wages makes the process financially burdensome. 'With expansion, we are bringing standardised fertility treatment to their home towns, with the best clinical acumen and embryologists,' he said. This model, he added, is affordable and avoids additional hassle. India currently performs around 200,000 to 250,000 IVF cycles annually, and the market is projected to grow to 400,000 cycles by 2030, with smaller cities expected to account for a substantial share of this growth. Aggrawal noted that to meet this growing demand, IVF chains are also focusing on building awareness to ensure fertility care is both accessible and better understood by those in need.
Hans India
16-06-2025
- Health
- Hans India
Why solving the fertility crisis needs public-private muscle
The United Nations Population Fund's 2025 report, The Real Fertility Crisis: The Pursuit of Reproductive Agency in a Changing World, was published on 10th June 2025 and challenges the long-standing global anxiety around fertility rates falling too fast. However, the real crisis, as the report argues, is not that people are having fewer children, but that they are unable to have the number of children they want. From rising living costs and inaccessible fertility care to rigid workplaces and outdated gender roles, millions today are trapped between desire and reality. In India, this gap is becoming increasingly visible, as with a Total Fertility Rate (TFR) of 1.9, the country is now below replacement levels while still grappling with wide disparities across states and socioeconomic groups. According to the report, 36% of pregnancies in India are unintended, and nearly one in three adults report not being able to meet their fertility goals. This is where a stronger ecosystem could prove critical: one that leverages public-private partnerships (PPPs) to not only expand services but also dismantle structural barriers. If governments, private health providers, and employers worked in tandem to improve access, affordability, and awareness, it could mark a significant shift in how reproductive health is understood and supported. But for that to happen, corrective measures must go far beyond financial incentives or pronatalist messaging. As the report emphasizes, the real solution lies in restoring agency and ensuring people have the ability to make informed, supported choices about if, when, and how to have children. This means universal access to contraception, affordable fertility treatments, workplace policies that recognize caregiving, and reliable childcare infrastructure. And here, private sector participation could be pivotal. IVF clinics, fertility tech platforms, diagnostic labs, pharma companies, and insurance firms, aligned with public health goals, can bridge critical care gaps. For example, co-developing fertility insurance plans, launching workplace fertility wellness programmes, or expanding fertility services to Tier 2 and 3 cities through PPP models could ensure reproductive health is not just a privilege for the urban few. Speaking to Abhishek Aggrawal, CEO, Birla Fertility & IVF, he shares, "The report offers an important lens on fertility, not just as a health statistic, but as a matter of agency, equity, and timely access. The challenge before us is the growing gap between people's aspirations and their ability to act on them, often due to late diagnosis, limited support, and constrained choices. This is where policy and partnerships must evolve. Fertility care needs to be integrated into how we think about public health: not as a specialized service for a few, but as preventive, inclusive care for all. That means awareness at the grassroots level, timely screenings, equitable access to assisted reproduction, and proactive fertility preservation, especially for those most at risk of being left out. For us, commitment to making this shift happen is of great importance, and hence we advocate for workplace reproductive wellness clinics and corporate fertility workshops to help individuals make informed decisions without stigma or delay. Bridging the gap between aspiration and access requires coordination across public health, private care, and the workplace. ecosystems. That is the call to action this report makes clear. And it is one we must all respond to with urgency, openness, and long-term commitment." While much of the fertility debate often centres around statistics and population projections, the report makes it clear that women's reproductive health lies at the heart of the crisis. Women are disproportionately affected by caregiving responsibilities, workplace discrimination, and stigma around delayed motherhood. Many report postponing or abandoning plans to start families due to career penalties, housing insecurity, or lack of partner support. The report also notes that unmet contraceptive needs, unsafe abortions, and delayed fertility diagnoses remain pressing challenges, especially in lower-income or rural settings. Mr. Sombrata Ray, Unit Head, CK Birla Hospitals, CMRI, reflects these concerns and expands on the need for timely intervention, stating, "Indeed, millions of families go through emotional, financial, and physical consequences of either a lack of timely information or support. Even more concerning is the fact that many unintended pregnancies are largely preventable. This signals a huge gap in reproductive awareness, availability of contraceptives, and open communication about family planning. Public and private healthcare systems must come together to take adequate measures. We need to make greater investments in community education, increase access to contraceptive counseling and fertility support, and make reproductive health services accessible to both men and women in both urban and rural communities. A free cervical cancer vaccination camp is an additional component of the CMRI's commitment to women's health, which vaccinates young girls and women against HPV, one of the main causes of cervical cancer. When delivered early and in an equitable manner, preventive care can, in many cases, reduce the long-term disease burden and save many lives." Ultimately, the report's message is not to alarm but to create a sense of urgency. People want to start families, but too many are constrained by circumstances they cannot control. Fertility is no longer just a personal decision. Today, it is a public issue, a workplace issue, and a societal one, and tackling it will require the kind of cross-sector collaboration that puts people's choices at the center.
