Srinagar, Aug 07 (KNO): A wave of discontent is sweeping across Jammu and Kashmir as distressed patients and their families raise serious concerns over the functioning of several In Vitro Fertilisation (IVF) centres operating in the region. The spotlight is now on unregulated consultation fees, lack of transparency, and the mysterious appearance of “visiting doctors” – many of whom patients allege may not be properly verified.
Dozens of fertility and speciality clinics operating across Jammu and Kashmir claim to provide expert care by inviting renowned doctors from states like Delhi, Punjab, and even from abroad, mostly on Sundays. However, locals say there's little to no accountability or verification of these claims, and they feel financially exploited.
"Kashmir, due to both very high primary and secondary infertility rates, is a booming market for IVF centres, and poor people are duped by these centres with false advertisements," Bashir Ahmad Bhat, a health expert, told the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO).
He said that in the absence of any regulatory mechanism and social stigma associated with infertility, hardly any couple dares to counter these fake claims, despite the households having been completely drained financially and mentally.
"Apart from a regulatory mechanism by the State, people need to be educated about the various issues related to the dynamics of infertility, so that they do not get trapped by these IVF centres," he said, adding that people are being duped in the name of expert care.
Shakeela Bano, a 34-year-old patient from Pulwama, has been undergoing treatment at an IVF centre in Srinagar. Speaking to KNO, she said, “They advertise that the doctor has decades of experience and has worked in AIIMS or foreign countries, but no one checks whether those claims are true. Who are these doctors really? Are their credentials even verified?”
Bano has been visiting various IVF centres for the last seven years, hoping for a positive outcome. "Unfortunately, all that I earned over the years gradually vanished in this pursuit. It has been an exhausting and emotionally draining journey," she said.
Another woman questioned the mushrooming of IVF centres, urging the government to keep a check on them. "Innocent people are being trapped in the name of 100% success of IVF," she said.
Concerns extend beyond IVF clinics. Patients said similar issues exist in clinics claiming expertise in orthopaedics, oncology, neurology, and other specialities. They said marketing tactics such as claiming affiliations with prestigious institutions are often manipulative, preying on the hopes of desperate families.
“They advertise that a top doctor from Mumbai or Delhi is visiting Kashmir on weekends,” said Mehraj Din, a college lecturer from Anantnag. “But how do we verify these doctors’ credentials or qualifications? The government must establish proper verification protocols.”
Several clinics are accused of selling false hope by claiming “100% success rates” in infertility treatment, misleading vulnerable couples.
“Infertility is already a painful experience,” pleaded Rukhsana, who has been undergoing treatment for two years. “These centres should not deceive couples with false promises. They need to be ethical and transparent. Proper regulation is essential.”
Patients have appealed to the Health Minister, Sakina Itoo, demanding urgent regulation of private clinics and IVF centres. Their key concerns include the verification of doctors’ degrees, the regulation of consultation fees, and stricter controls on false advertising.
“We urge the government to establish a system to verify doctors’ credentials, cap consultation charges, and prevent misleading advertisements,” said a group of affected patients.
They called for clear guidelines on ethical advertising, transparent pricing, and improved grievance redressal mechanisms.
Dr Mohammad Salim Khan, President of the Jammu and Kashmir Medical Council (JKMC), said these centres are regulated under existing rules and laws. “The district health authorities are responsible for registering and monitoring these clinics,” he said. “The JKMC oversees the registration of doctors and enforces ethical standards of conduct and professionalism.”—(KNO)