IVF Treatment Costs Lead to Financial Hardship for Indian Couples
A new study reveals that the high cost of In Vitro Fertilization (IVF) treatment in India is plunging nearly 90% of couples into significant debt, even when accessing public hospitals. This financial burden highlights a critical issue affecting a substantial portion of the Indian population, with infertility rates estimated between 3.9% and 16.8%.
Key Findings of the Study
The multi-center study, conducted across five major institutions, uncovered the following key findings:
- High Out-of-Pocket Expenses (OOPE): The average OOPE for a single IVF cycle is approximately Rs 1.1 lakh in public hospitals and Rs 2.30 lakh in private hospitals.
- Borrowing for Treatment: Over half of the couples are forced to borrow money to cover the costs.
- Limited Insurance Coverage: Only 5% of couples have any insurance coverage for IVF, and the coverage they do have offers minimal support.
- Health System Costs: Researchers estimate the health system cost of one IVF cycle at Rs 81,332, regardless of the hospital.
Financial Strain Beyond IVF
The financial burden isn't limited to IVF treatments alone. The study also found that:
- 25% of couples undergoing infertility treatment for conditions like PCOS, endometriosis, tubal disease, or male-factor infertility also experience catastrophic expenditure.
- The median OOPE for non-IVF infertility treatment is Rs 11,317.
- Private hospitals tend to have higher medical costs, while public facilities have higher indirect and non-medical expenses.
Impact on Quality of Life
The study revealed a significant negative impact on the quality of life for couples seeking infertility treatment, especially those undergoing IVF:
- Women reported increased pain, anxiety, and depression.
- Men showed increased anxiety scores.
Study Methodology
The study was conducted at the following institutions:
- PGIMER Chandigarh
- SRIHER Chennai
- Maulana Azad Medical College (Delhi)
- SAT Hospital at Government Medical College Trivandrum
- Jawaharlal Nehru Medical College, Wardha
Researchers assessed 30 IVF patients and 100 infertility patients at each site, along with detailed costing from hospital records.
Leading Causes of Infertility
Among IVF couples, the leading causes of infertility were:
- Oligospermia
- Tubal-factor infertility
In non-IVF groups, PCOS was the most common diagnosis.
Recommendations for Policy Changes
The study recommends that the Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (PM-JAY) consider adopting Rs 81,332 as the reimbursement package rate if IVF is added to the scheme. Researchers also suggest that PM-JAY needs to revise its current structure, which excludes OPD costs, to make IVF coverage meaningful. They also suggest that, in line with earlier CGHS norms and NICE guidelines, up to three IVF cycles could be considered for reimbursement.
