Reproductive and infertility treatment has grown by leaps and bounds in last few years. We host Maharashtra’s first state-of-art Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART) centre in a public hospital setup, offering a wide range of treatments at an affordable cost, says Dr Minnie Bodhanwala, CEO, Wadia Hospitals, in an interview with Mukul Kumar Mishra of Elets News Network (ENN).

Q You have been instrumental in bringing a transformation at Wadia Hospitals and been at the forefront of many innovative practices at the hospital, how has been this journey?

I am in the healthcare sector for 30 years. My journey started with dental practice. For me, practice was not limited to only treating patients but also guiding medical students as a teacher and mentor.

Time and again, I come across several instances where I would take operational roles along with the routine practice. One such opportunity was my association with Impact India Foundation for their “Hospital-on- Wheels” project to set up the first dental unit on the train.

It was a turning point in my life where I realised that I could reach to masses and create much more impact in the society as a healthcare professional. Hence, I got more inclined towards the management aspect of healthcare.

Besides, our country holds a plenty of talent, we need to manage healthcare delivery system in a better manner. I pursued a Master of Health Administration (MHA) degree to contribute on healthcare management to cater people with better medical facilities.

I always make it a point in my management practice to visit the hospital patients every day and interact with them on how we could serve them better.

Q What services are offered by the hospital in the area of cardiac care, endoscopic surgeries and endocrinology?

Established in 1928, the Bai Jerbai Wadia Hospital for Children (BJWHC) is India’s first and largest paediatric hospital.

We provide a wide range of over 35 paediatric specialities here. The department of cardiac sciences is a center of excellence at BJWHC and supported by a dedicated team of professionals who provide care at the cardiac ICU, cardiac OT and cardiac ward.

With early diagnosis and prompt management of cardiac ailments, the department saves lives of many children. It provides superspeciality care to children with all kind of cardiac complications including congenital heart surgeries.

The department caters to more than 5,000 patients on an annual basis who seek quality cardiac care. The department is managed by a highly accomplished team and equipped with state-of-the-art equipment.

Then, Nowrosjee Wadia Maternity Hospital, established in 1926, is exclusively dedicated to women and newborns and a pioneer in the field of Obstetrics and Gynaecology.

The hospital, a pioneer in the field of endoscopic surgeries, has a fully equipped endoscopic theatre. All laparoscopic surgeries like hysterectomy and myomectomy are performed by our specialists.

Both of our hospitals have excellent departments for endocrinology as well thus catering to women and children with a complete array of diagnostic, treatment and consultations.

Q Tell us about the reproductive and infertility clinic. What kind of services are provided to patients under such a clinic?

We proudly host Maharashtra’s first state-of-the-art Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART) centre in a public hospital setup, offering a wide range of treatments at an affordable cost.

Established in 2016, the centre is managed by highly trained and experienced team. With quality care, we have helped many couples to attain parenthood.

We are the first IVF centre in India to receive an accreditation from Quality Assurance International (QAI). We offer a wide range of basic and advanced services at our IVF clinic including consultations and counselling, basic workup for infertile couple, Intra Uterine Insemination (self and donor), Saline Infusion Sonographies, Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection (ICSI), Intracytoplasmic Morphologically Selected Sperm Injection (IMSI), Blastocyst Culture, Male Infertility Management, Testicular Biopsies, Testicular Sperm Retrieval Techniques (TESA), and Percutaneous Epididymal Sperm Retrieval Techniques(PESA) etc.

Q How has India evolved in terms of technology and innovations on reproductive and infertility treatment?

Reproductive and infertility treatment has grown by leaps and bounds in the last few years. India is among the leaders for ART with highest number of IVF cycles.

In terms of technology, all modern and advanced equipments and innovations are available in India. There is an increasing trend with new IVF centres focusing on customer satisfaction and affordable cost.

Access and awareness to IVF is also increasing and couples are now availing IVF services without any hesitancy. New innovative models are also being developed with technology like cryo preservation for proactive family planning.

In addition, preventive gene therapy is another evolving trend in terms of future of reproductive and infertility treatment. These days, more and more doctors are opting for courses in ART.

Q IVF sector is still at nascent stage due to many factors like high cost, less awareness and lack of regulatory practices. What is your perception about it?

The trends are changing now and I believe with best practices, remaining challenges can be overcome. A stronger legislation will help to regulate most of these factors. With tangible progress, we are one step ahead from the nascent stage due to increase in awareness level. Moreover, the Government is also looking forward to implement legislation in this field. I see more affordable centre like ours coming up across country.

Q A section of experts opine the IVF sector is a bit unorganised. What needs to be done to improve?

Centralised reporting will help in organising the IVF sector. Penetration of Health Insurance sector covering IVF will also encourage couples to avail the treatment.

Increasing awareness through government campaigns and programmes could also help in regulation and accessibility. Families need to understand that infertility is not linked to women alone. There could be some medical issue with male partner as well which can be treated to attain parenthood. IVF is a best option for such couples.

An accreditation like ours brings in more confidence and trust to people. Such a policy wherein standards of care and quality are adopted by IVF centres will help in further organising this sector.

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