Telangana Women’s Commission issues notices to eight ART centres in illegal oocyte racket case

The Telangana Health Department has launched a rigorous inspection of 27 out of 44 assisted reproductive technology (ART) centers in the state, following allegations of an illegal oocyte (egg) collection scheme. During the investigations, 13 regulatory breaches were identified in seven hospitals, prompting show-cause notices to their management.

Health Minister C. Damodar Rajanarasimha has ordered a thorough probe into the alleged illegal activities disguised as oocyte collection and promised stringent action against entities and individuals violating regulations. Task force teams have been inspecting IVF centers across Telangana for the past four days, with inspections of remaining facilities still ongoing.

The department plans to take further action based on records seized by the police and information from the National ART and Surrogacy Registry. The probe also involves examining the roles of women, doctors, IVF centers, and intermediaries suspected of facilitating the illegal activities. The Health Department reiterated that oocyte collection must strictly follow the Assisted Reproductive Technology (Regulation) Act and Rules, and all ART clinics and banks must secure mandatory statutory registration and comply with the prescribed framework.

The department cautioned women against falling for misleading promises and financial inducements from intermediaries, emphasizing that such arrangements could put them at risk of unauthorized medical procedures.