High Cost of Infertility Treatments Puts Financial strain on Couples: ICMR-NIRRCH Study
Table of Contents
New Delhi – A recent study by the Indian Council of Medical Research-National Institute for Research in Reproductive and child Health (ICMR-NIRRCH) reveals the ample financial burden infertility treatments place on couples in India, with one cycle of In Vitro Fertilization (IVF) costing approximately ₹81,332. the findings underscore the urgent need for greater accessibility and insurance coverage for fertility care, as one in six couples in India grapple with infertility issues. Published December 5, 2025, at 10:45 pm IST, the report recommends including IVF under the Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (PM-JAY) scheme.
The study highlights that patients facing uterine factor infertility and endometriosis experience the lowest health-related quality of life, largely due to pain, discomfort, anxiety, and depression. Current costs for infertility management in public facilities range from ₹6,822 to ₹11,075 per year, but these are considerably higher in private facilities. This disparity,coupled with the fact that medical costs for one ART cycle are 166.4% higher than the average annual income in India, creates a critically important barrier to access for many couples.
Financial Burden and Access to Care
Shobhit agarwal, CEO of Nova IVF Fertility, emphasized the critical need to integrate fertility-related healthcare into the larger health insurance framework, stating, Addressing fertility issues as part of the health insurance framework supports population health management, ensuring a balanced demographic dividend, and can reduce the risks associated with declining fertility rates.
Currently, PM-JAY covers most secondary and tertiary care procedures but explicitly excludes fertility treatments. The Central Government Health Scheme (CGHS) offers limited reimbursement – a one-time cost of ₹65,000 or the actual cost,whichever is lower,for three fresh IVF cycles – but only to those who meet specific criteria.
The ICMR-NIRRCH study was initiated at the request of the Health Ministry’s Health Technology Assessment in India (HTAIn) to evaluate the cost of IVF treatment for potential inclusion in PM-JAY. A key finding is that a significant portion of infertility treatment expenses, including IVF, are incurred as outpatient (OPD) costs, which are currently not covered under PM-JAY.
Did You Know?
The Assisted Reproductive Technology (Regulation) act,2021,and its associated rules regulate ART clinics in India,covering aspects like egg and sperm donation,cryopreservation,and clinic registration.
ART Service Delivery and Regulatory Landscape
while the demand for Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART) services is rising, very few public facilities currently provide them, leading to reliance on the expanding private sector. Even though regulated by the ART rules, private providers’ prices remain uncontrolled, contributing to substantial out-of-pocket expenditure for patients. The report recommends coverage of IVF under PM-JAY at a cost of ₹81,332 per cycle, taking into account the significant OPD expenses associated with treatment.
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| IVF Cycle Cost (Recommended PM-JAY) | ₹81,332 |
| IVF Cycle Cost vs.annual Income | 166.4% Higher |
| CGHS Reimbursement (Max) | ₹65,000 |
| Public Facility IVF Cost Range | ₹6,822 - ₹11,075 |
| Infertility Rate (india) | 1 in 6 Couples |
pro Tip: Understanding your insurance coverage and exploring available financial assistance programs can significantly reduce the burden of infertility treatment costs.
The study’s findings are expected to fuel further discussions regarding the inclusion of IVF and other fertility treatments within the PM-JAY scheme, perhaps expanding access to care for millions of couples across India. The report’s recommendations aim to alleviate the emotional and financial strain associated with infertility, supporting both individual well-being and broader population health goals.
“Infertility is not just an urban India phenomenon, even the couples in tier 2 and tier 3 regions also have been impacted,” said Shobhit Agarwal.
What steps can be taken to ensure equitable access to fertility treatments across all regions of India? How can the government and private sector collaborate to regulate ART costs and improve affordability for couples struggling with infertility?
Frequently Asked Questions
What is PM-JAY?
PM-JAY, or the Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana, is a health insurance scheme launched by the Indian government providing cashless access to healthcare services for eligible beneficiaries.
What does the ICMR-NIRRCH study recommend regarding IVF coverage?
The study recommends including IVF under PM-JAY at a cost of ₹81,332 for one cycle, acknowledging the significant outpatient expenses associated with the treatment.
What is the current infertility rate in India?
Approximately one in six couples in India experience infertility issues.
Why are ART costs so high in india?
High costs are attributed to a lack of price controls in the private sector, limited availability of services in public facilities, and significant outpatient expenses not currently covered by insurance schemes.
What is the Assisted Reproductive Technology (Regulation) Act,2021?
This Act regulates the practice of ART in India,establishing rules for egg and sperm donation,cryopreservation,and the registration of ART clinics.
Background on Infertility and ART in India
Infertility affects millions of couples globally, and India is no exception. Factors contributing to rising infertility rates include delayed childbearing, lifestyle changes, and increasing prevalence of conditions like Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) and endometriosis. ART, encompassing techniques like IVF, has become a crucial option for couples facing difficulty conceiving. However, the high cost and limited accessibility of these treatments pose significant challenges, notably for those in lower-income brackets. The regulatory landscape surrounding ART in India has evolved with the enactment of the Assisted Reproductive Technology (Regulation) Act, 2021, aiming to ensure ethical practices and patient safety.
If you found this article informative, please share it with your network and join the conversation in the comments below. You can also subscribe to our newsletter for more updates on healthcare policy and research.