Telangana health authorities have penalised 50 private fertility centres for regulatory breaches during a massive state-wide audit. Two clinics have had their registrations cancelled, while nine others face temporary suspensions.
- 50 out of 379 inspected private fertility centres found violating ART and surrogacy laws.
- Two registrations cancelled and nine centres temporarily suspended from operations.
- Violations include unauthorised staff changes and operating from unregistered addresses.
- Health Minister orders strict audit of medicine MRPs and manufacturer authenticity.
In a sweeping regulatory crackdown, Telangana health authorities have detected significant violations at 50 private fertility centres following an inspection of 379 facilities across the state. The scale of the non-compliance has led to the immediate cancellation of registrations for two centres and the temporary suspension of operational permissions for nine others.
The inspections were specifically designed to ensure compliance with the Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART) and surrogacy laws. Authorities uncovered a pattern of negligence, including the failure to display registration certificates, absence of mandatory grievance redressal cells, and improper maintenance of medical records. Most alarmingly, several centres were found operating from addresses different from those officially registered with the government.
Why This Matters
BozokMedia analysis suggests that the fertility sector in urban hubs like Hyderabad has seen explosive growth, often outpacing regulatory oversight. The emergence of baby-selling rackets in the region has created a trust deficit. By targeting administrative lapses—such as unauthorised staff changes—the government is attempting to close the loopholes that allow illegal surrogacy rings to operate under the guise of legitimate medical practice.
"Strict adherence to ART norms is not just a legal requirement but a fundamental safeguard for the biological and emotional rights of intended parents and surrogates."
Health Minister C. Damodar Raja Narasimha, during a review meeting at the Secretariat on August 31, 2026, emphasized that legal action must be swift and severe. He directed officials to scrutinize the staffing details and the functioning of grievance cells to ensure patient protection. Furthermore, the Minister ordered a detailed audit of the medicines and injections used, focusing on their manufacturers and maximum retail prices (MRPs) to prevent overcharging.
Currently, Telangana hosts 477 registered ART and surrogacy centres. The breakdown of these facilities highlights the infrastructure available for reproductive health in the state, though the recent audit proves that quantity has not always equated to quality or legality.
| Centre Category | Total Registered (Telangana) |
|---|---|
| ART Level-1 Centres | 129 |
| ART Level-2 Centres | 226 |
| ART Banks | 59 |
| Surrogacy Clinics | 63 |
The government is now pivoting toward strengthening public healthcare options. IVF services at Gandhi Hospital and the Modern Government Maternity Hospital (MGMH) have already served 39,802 patients. The Minister has proposed expanding these high-quality, regulated IVF services to various districts in a phased manner to reduce reliance on unregulated private clinics.
Parallel to this, the enforcement of the Pre-Conception and Pre-Natal Diagnostic Techniques (PCPNDT) Act remains a priority. Between April and July, 2,600 inspections were conducted, resulting in show-cause notices for 37 centres found in violation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: What were the most common violations found in the fertility centres?
A: The most frequent violations included operating from unregistered locations, failing to maintain proper records, and making unauthorised changes to the medical staff.
Q2: How is the government expanding IVF access for the general public?
A: The government is strengthening existing facilities at Gandhi Hospital and MGMH and planning to introduce IVF services in districts to provide affordable, legal alternatives to private clinics.
