India’s Baby Boom and the Rise of Medical Tourism

Fertility Treatments in India

Couples seeking fertility treatments are often faced with staggering costs that limit their options or force them to wait until they can save enough to afford the procedure.  Journalist Anne Zieger has found that some of these childless couples have set their sights abroad with much success.  The immediate benefit is naturally the drastically reduced price tag.  Zieger notes that the cost of fertility treatments in India amounts to $4,500 in stark comparison to U.S. clinics, which charge $12,400.  She mentions that Indian clinics are permitted to implant up to 5 embryos whereas American clinics are limited to a maximum of 2 embryos.  This carries potential risks to the mother, though, so patients are best advised to evaluate their options before deciding on the number of embryos to be implanted.

The Popularity of Medical Vacations

Whether they are escaping the cost of fertility treatments or specifically seeking an Indian egg donor (particularly in the case of nonresident Indians), patients have found relief in one of India’s 400 IVF clinics.  One AFP article cites a study conducted in 2004, which found that India had the potential to earn up to $2 billion dollars per year by 2012 via medical tourism.  The same article quotes Kamal Parpyani, managing director of health tourism company, Life Smile, as saying, “Most people who come to us, especially for IVF, go in for a travel package too, since they have come all the way to India.”  Life Smile, like other medical vacation agents, tries to offer clients a hassle-free experience by making all necessary arrangements, including medical visas. 

Egg Donors in India

While India has gained a reputation as a reliable provider of critical surgeries, it is also the ideal location to source egg donors.  The AFP article points out that there is a distinct lack of regulation for IVF treatments with no limits placed on egg donation.  Aniruddha Malpani, owner of a Mumbai-based IVF clinic, noted, “Attitudes toward egg donation are changing fast.  Thirty years ago, Indians would balk at the idea of donating blood to a stranger, but now they don’t.”  Although her clinic provides a high-end reliable service at a rate of $4,500, there are others that offer IVF treatments for half this price.  As with all treatments sought abroad, it is up to the consumer to ensure that they restrict themselves to a reputable institute to reduce the potential risks.  

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