SOA VP and experts discuss IVF’s role in overcoming infertility at World IVF Day

Bhubaneswar, July 25: On Thursday, Saswati Das, Vice-President of Siksha ‘O’ Anusandhan (SOA), hailed the In-Vitro Fertilization (IVF) technique as a major boon for countless couples struggling with infertility.

Speaking as the chief guest at a World IVF Day event organized by the Center for Human Reproduction (CHR) at the Institute of Medical Sciences and SUM Hospital, Ms. Das emphasized the groundbreaking impact of IVF on reproductive science and healthcare, highlighting its role in making parenthood a reality for many.

Das also commended CHR for its dedicated support to childless couples and noted that World IVF Day serves not only to celebrate technological progress but also to raise awareness about infertility, challenge the associated stigma, and advocate for better global access to fertility treatments.

The event featured addresses from several prominent figures, including Dr. Pratibha Pradhan, Joint Director of Child Health and Joint Nodal Officer for the Pre-Conception and Pre-Natal Diagnostic Techniques (PCPNDT) Act and Assisted Reproductive Technology and Surrogacy; Prof. (Dr.) Sanghamitra Mishra, Dean of IMS and SUM Hospital; Prof. (Dr.) Pusparaj Samantasinhar, Medical Superintendent; Prof. (Dr.) Manisha Sahu, Professor in Gynaecology and Obstetrics; and Prof. (Dr.) Sujata Pradhan, Center Head of CHR.

Prof. (Dr.) Mishra highlighted that World IVF Day commemorates the birth of Louise Brown, the first baby conceived through IVF on July 25, 1978. This milestone marked a significant breakthrough in fertility treatments and has since become a cornerstone of Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART).

Prof. (Dr.) Pradhan noted that the CHR has seen an increase in international couples seeking its services, attributing infertility to factors such as delayed marriage, mental stress, and workplace pressures. She also pointed out that many couples are now choosing IVF as a preferred method of conception.

Prof. (Dr.) Samantasinhar announced that IVF services have been extended to the new IMS and SUM Hospital campuses in Phulnakhara and Berhampur.