Not too long ago, couples struggling with infertility in Kerala had limited options. Many travelled across the state to Muvattupuzha Government Taluk Hospital, seeking affordable and effective treatment. One doctor, Dr Sabine Sivadasan, became well known in this space, offering fertility treatments with minimal costs. In an unusual move for a government doctor, he even raised funds himself to bring in advanced medical equipment.
Today, infertility treatment in Kerala has changed significantly. The options have expanded, technology has advanced, and costs have become more variable. Dr Sabine himself went on to establish Sabine Hospital & Research Centre in 2010, a private facility dedicated to reproductive medicine. What started as a single hospital in Muvattupuzha with 118 beds has now grown, with branches in Thiruvananthapuram and Malappuram, and plans for further expansion.
Infertility is more common than many think. Around 15% of couples in India face difficulties conceiving, often due to lifestyle changes and delayed marriages. Medical advances now offer multiple solutions, depending on the cause.
The most common procedures include:
In Vitro Fertilisation (IVF) – where eggs are fertilised outside the body and implanted in the uterus.
Laparoscopic surgery – a minimally invasive procedure to correct issues like blocked fallopian tubes or cysts.
Hormonal treatments – to regulate ovulation or address other imbalances affecting fertility.
Sabine Hospital is one of many centres offering these treatments. Its doctors perform over 600 surgeries per month and use advanced genetic testing, such as Next-Generation Sequencing, to detect abnormalities in embryos before implantation.
Fertility treatments in India are no longer restricted to big cities. With increased awareness, more hospitals in smaller towns are investing in advanced reproductive technology. Private equity firms have also taken interest, funding expansions in this sector.
However, cost remains a significant factor. While government hospitals provide some infertility treatments at subsidised rates, private centres often charge lakhs for procedures like IVF. This gap in accessibility continues to be a challenge, especially for lower-income couples.
With demand for fertility treatments rising, Kerala’s healthcare sector is evolving. Clinics are looking to expand services to remote areas, and medical advancements continue to improve success rates. At the same time, the ethical and financial aspects of fertility treatments remain topics of debate.
For couples considering treatment, understanding the options, costs, and potential risks is crucial. As infertility treatment becomes more mainstream, the focus should remain on making quality care accessible to everyone, not just those who can afford it.
(This article was originally published in March 15,2025 issue of Dhanam Magazine)
