Mangaluru: Health minister UT Khader said Saturday the govt plans an in-vitro fertilisation (IVF) centre at Govt Lady Goschen Hospital for Rs 5 crore, prioritising it among five centres due to existing infrastructure.The other four centresare proposed in Bengaluru, Mysuru and either Hubballi or Belagavi. Kalaburagi is also being considered as a suitable location to cater to North Karnataka, the miniser told newspersons here. “We have decided to initially start IVF units through the govt at four major centres of our state,” Khader said.He said the Mangaluru facility, proposed at Lady Goschen Hospital, has been allocated Rs 5 crore under the current action plan. However, establishing a fully equipped IVF unit would require approximately Rs 8 crore.Private hospitals charge Rs 3 lakh to Rs 4 lakh for IVF while the govt plans subsidised treatment. “We are discussing with experts to set up IVF centres at five locations in the state. It is a fact that women from economically weaker sections are unable to afford IVF treatment at private hospitals. IVF treatment was included under Ayushman Bharat-Arogya Karnataka (AB-ArK). However, none of the empanelled private hospitals has come forward to provide the facility. Hence, we have decided to open IVF centres in govt hospitals and provide treatment at a subsidised rate,” he said.On doctor and healthcare staff transfer counselling, Khader said reforms would ensure transparency and curb corruption. “The newly introduced counselling system allows district-level transfers for couples and restricts transfers of differently abled employees to their respective taluks. The initiative aims to streamline the process and spare employees the inconvenience of travelling to Bengaluru and waiting in long queues to secure transfers,” he said.Khader lauded the hospital doctors and staff for winning the state-level Best District Hospital Award for maternal healthcare, particularly safe abortion and post-abortion care. He advised pregnant women to arrive before delivery rather than waiting until the last minute.
