Hyderabad: The Telangana government intensified its illegal egg collection probe across fertility centres, identifying 13 regulatory violations at seven hospitals. Health officials issued show-cause notices to the management of all seven institutions after inspecting 27 Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART) facilities.
Health, Medical and Family Welfare Minister Damodar Rajanarasimha directed authorities to conduct a comprehensive investigation into alleged unauthorised oocyte collection. He also called for strict legal action against facilities and individuals found violating the applicable regulations.
Following his directions, dedicated task force units stepped up inspections of ART and In Vitro Fertilisation (IVF) centres across Telangana. Health officials identified 44 ART facilities across Telangana for inspection as part of the ongoing investigation.
So far, inspection teams have examined 27 centres and detected 13 regulatory breaches involving seven hospitals. Consequently, authorities issued show-cause notices to the management of the seven institutions over the identified violations.
Officials are continuing inspections at the remaining 17 facilities. The Health Department said further administrative and legal measures would depend on a complete examination of the available evidence.
Investigators are reviewing police records obtained during the investigation and information requested from the National ART and Surrogacy Registry. The department has not announced the final outcome of the proceedings against the seven hospitals.
Officials seek ART clinic records from national registry
As part of the illegal egg collection probe, a team of Telangana health officials visited New Delhi on November 6. The team approached the National ART and Surrogacy Registry to obtain reporting logs concerning registered ART clinics and banks in Telangana.
Officials sought the records to examine compliance with the regulatory framework governing assisted reproductive procedures. Meanwhile, investigators are examining the roles of doctors, clinic administrators, intermediaries and affected women linked to the case.
The inquiry will assess the available records before authorities decide on further administrative and legal action. Health officials said the investigation covered alleged unauthorised egg collection and regulatory compliance at fertility facilities.
Health Department warns against unauthorised egg collection
The Health Department reiterated that all egg collection procedures must comply with the Assisted Reproductive Technology (Regulation) Act and Rules. Under the regulatory framework, ART clinics and banks must maintain valid statutory registration to operate legally.
Authorities also cautioned women against accepting financial inducements or unverified promises from intermediaries offering unauthorised medical procedures. They urged women to exercise caution when approached by individuals arranging egg collection outside authorised medical channels.
Additionally, the department advised the public to report suspected violations to their local District Medical and Health Officer (DMHO). The ongoing illegal egg collection probe includes inspections, examination of regulatory records and scrutiny of individuals linked to suspected violations.
Officials said further action would follow the analysis of police records and information obtained from the national registry.