Illegal oocyte collection racket: 27 ART centres inspected across Telangana, notices issued to seven hospitals

The Telangana Health Department has intensified its investigation into the alleged illegal oocyte (egg) collection racket, with inspections conducted at 27 of the 44 identified Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART) facilities across the State.

Officials have detected 13 regulatory violations in seven hospitals and issued show-cause notices to their managements. Health Minister C. Damodar Rajanarasimha has directed the department to conduct a comprehensive investigation into alleged illegal activities being carried out under the guise of oocyte collection and initiate stringent action against institutions and individuals found violating prescribed regulations.

Acting on the Minister’s directions, task force teams have been inspecting IVF centres across the State for the past four days. Inspections at the remaining facilities are continuing. The department said further action would be initiated after a detailed examination of records seized by the police and information obtained from the National ART and Surrogacy Registry.

The investigation also includes examining the involvement of women identified in connection with the case, doctors, IVF centres and intermediaries allegedly facilitating the activities. As part of the investigation, the Health department officials visited the National ART and Surrogacy Registry in New Delhi on November 6 and sought details of the data submitted by registered ART clinics and ART banks operating in Telangana.

The department has reiterated that oocyte collection must strictly comply with the provisions of the Assisted Reproductive Technology (Regulation) Act and Rules. All ART clinics and ART banks operating in the State are required to obtain mandatory statutory registration and adhere to the prescribed regulatory framework.

The Health Department also cautioned women against falling prey to misleading assurances and financial inducements offered by intermediaries, warning that such arrangements could expose them to unauthorised medical procedures.