Telangana Detects 13 Violations in Probe into Illegal Oocyte Collection
Hyderabad, Nov 10 (TNT) : The Telangana Health Department has detected 13 regulatory violations in seven hospitals during inspections of assisted reproductive technology (ART) facilities as part of an investigation into alleged illegal oocyte (egg) collection activities in the State.
Acting on the directions of Health, Medical and Family Welfare Minister Damodar Rajanarasimha, task force teams constituted have inspected 27 of the 44 identified ART facilities across the State.
Show-cause notices have been issued to the managements of the seven hospitals where violations were detected, the Department said in a release on Tuesday.
Inspections at the remaining facilities are underway, while the department is examining records seized by the police and seeking information from the National ART and Surrogacy Registry to establish the extent of the alleged violations.
As part of the investigation, Health Department officials visited the National ART and Surrogacy Registry in New Delhi on November 6 and sought details furnished by registered ART clinics and banks operating in Telangana.
The investigation is also focusing on women identified in connection with the case and the alleged roles of doctors, IVF centres and intermediaries.
The department cautioned that oocyte collection must strictly comply with the provisions of the Assisted Reproductive Technology (Regulation) Act and Rules.
All ART clinics and banks operating in the State are required to obtain mandatory statutory registration and adhere to the prescribed regulations.
It advised women against falling prey to misleading assurances and financial inducements offered by intermediaries, warning that these could expose them to unauthorised medical procedures.
The public has been urged to report suspected illegal activities to the respective District Medical and Health Officers, the department added.
TNT TS
