The Telangana State Commission for Women has issued notices to five Hyderabad IVF centres over allegations of illegal human egg harvesting and other violations, with authorities directed to consider stringent action, including licence revocation, if the allegations are established.
Representatives of Indira IVF Centre, Narmada Fertility Centre, Oasis Fertility Centre, Sadguru ART Centre and Padmaja Fertility Centre appeared before the Commission on Monday. However, Commission Chairperson Nerella Sharada expressed displeasure over the absence of the principal administrators, who sent employees to attend the enquiry instead.
The District Medical and Health Officer, Hyderabad, also appeared before the Commission with a team of medical officers after the department received a separate notice. The Commission conducted an enquiry with the medical team as part of its examination of complaints and reports concerning the five fertility facilities.
According to a press release issued by the Commission, the centres were questioned individually and asked to explain the allegations. Their representatives submitted written responses, which will now be examined before the Commission decides on further action.
Sharada directed medical authorities to initiate stringent action against hospitals and fertility centres allegedly involved in the illegal retrieval of eggs, particularly from poor women. She said the licences of centres should be revoked immediately if the allegations were established.
The proceedings place the focus on how fertility centres respond to complaints involving patients and donors, particularly women from economically vulnerable backgrounds. The Commission has not announced a final finding against any of the five centres, and the allegations remain subject to examination of the submitted explanations and reports.
The Commission also warned that principal administrators of the respective centres must appear personally for future enquiries. Sharada said sending employees in their place would not be tolerated, according to the statement. Further action will follow after the Commission examines the written submissions from the IVF centre operators.
