IVF Drives 9 in 10 Indian Couples Into Debt, Government Report Reveals

A recent government-commissioned report reveals that in-vitro fertilisation (IVF) is financially overwhelming for most Indian families, pushing nearly 9 out of 10 couples into what is defined as catastrophic medical expenditure—where treatment costs exceed 10% of annual household income.

The study, led by the Indian Council of Medical Research–National Institute for Research in Reproductive and Child Health (ICMR–NIRRCH), provides India’s first empirical analysis of the economic impact of infertility treatments, highlighting how the high cost of IVF cycles often deters timely care.

How Expensive Is IVF in India?

The report shows that the average cost of one IVF cycle is approximately:

• Rs 2.3 lakh in private hospitals

• Rs 1.1 lakh in public hospitals

Given that couples typically require multiple IVF attempts to achieve pregnancy, the financial burden multiplies quickly, making treatment unaffordable for many, particularly lower- and middle-income households.

Scope of Infertility in India

• Around 2.8 crore couples in India face infertility challenges.

• Female factors account for 46% of cases, while male factors contribute 20%.

• Roughly 8% of infertile couples require advanced assisted reproductive technologies such as IVF.

Experts note that polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) is the most common cause of infertility among couples seeking treatment.

Out-of-Pocket Expenses and Catastrophic Costs

The analysis drew on data from 130 couples across five medical facilities, including three government hospitals and two private IVF centres. Key findings include:

• Median out-of-pocket expenditure for infertility treatment: Rs 11,317

• Private hospital patients incur higher direct medical costs, while public hospital patients face greater indirect costs like travel, accommodation, and lost wages.

• 25% of couples experience catastrophic health spending even before undergoing IVF.

The report underscores that most infertility-related expenses are outpatient-based, which are currently not covered under PM-JAY, further increasing financial pressure.

Why Government Support Is Essential

Experts stress that IVF should be treated as an essential medical service, not an elective procedure. Including IVF under Ayushman Bharat–Pradhan Mantri Jan Aarogya Yojana (AB-PMJAY) could dramatically improve affordability and access.

• Health-system cost of one IVF cycle in public hospitals: Rs 81,332 (recommended reimbursable package under PM-JAY)

• Examples of progress: Madhya Pradesh has already included IVF in PM-JAY, benefiting numerous couples.

Specialists like Dr Nandita Palshetkar and Abhishek Aggarwal emphasise that public sector coverage is crucial for families with lower incomes, as average rural households earn around Rs 17,000–20,000 per month. Without insurance, IVF treatment can easily lead to financial devastation.

Recommendations from the Report

The government-backed study calls for:

1. Integration of IVF and infertility diagnostics under PM-JAY.

2. Consideration of outpatient costs for reimbursement, since most treatment expenses fall under OPD services.

3. Structured coverage to prevent catastrophic spending for lower- and middle-income households.

The report highlights that while public hospital IVF is cheaper than private options, many couples still cannot afford treatment without insurance support, underscoring the need for national-level policy intervention.

India’s first comprehensive analysis of IVF costs reveals that financial barriers remain a significant hurdle in addressing infertility, and government support through schemes like PM-JAY is seen as a vital step toward making treatment accessible and equitable.

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