Source : INDIA TODAY NEWS
Telangana Health Minister C Damodar Rajanarasimha has ordered a comprehensive investigation into the alleged illegal collection of human oocytes, or eggs, in the state, news agency Press Trust of India reported.
The minister directed officials to take stringent action against institutions and individuals found violating regulations. The order follows the busting of an alleged illegal egg extraction and commercial sale racket in Hyderabad on October 31, in which eight people were arrested and 43 women rescued.
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Following the minister’s directions, task force groups intensified inspections of in-vitro fertilisation centres across Telangana, according to an official release. Officials have inspected 27 of the 44 assisted reproductive technology facilities identified in the state.
The inspections found 13 regulatory violations at seven hospitals, and show-cause notices have been issued to their managements. Inspections of the remaining facilities are underway.
Further action will be taken after officials examine records seized by the police and information sought from the National Assisted Reproductive Technology and Surrogacy Registry, PTI reported. The roles of the women identified in the case, doctors, IVF centres and intermediaries are also being investigated.
As part of the investigation, state health officials visited the national registry in New Delhi on November 6 and sought data submitted by registered assisted reproductive technology clinics and banks in Telangana.
The health department said oocyte collection must be carried out in accordance with the Assisted Reproductive Technology (Regulation) Act and its rules. All assisted reproductive technology clinics and banks operating in the state must obtain the required registration and comply with the regulations.
The department advised women not to fall prey to misleading assurances and financial inducements offered by intermediaries, which could expose them to unauthorised medical procedures. It also urged people to report suspected illegal activities to the district medical and health officer concerned.
Police alleged that the accused recruited women from West Bengal, Uttar Pradesh and other states, transported them to Hyderabad and housed them for egg donation procedures at IVF and fertility centres. The state government is continuing inspections and investigations into the alleged racket and has said action will follow against those found violating the law.
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SOURCE :- TIMES OF INDIA
