Illegal IVF centre busted in G’gram, 84 foetuses recovered

The Gurugram Health Department has busted an illegal IVF centre, which was being run by taking permission for setting up an ultrasound machine.

As many as 84 foetuses have been recovered from the centre and an FIR was registered against 12 accused, including the centre operator and staff members.

According to the department, there was information about an illegal IVF centre operating in Sushant Lok Phase-1. On the instructions of the Chief Medical Officer, a team was formed under the leadership of Dr Ritu Nandal and a raid was conducted.

According to the complaint filed by Dr Nandal, 84 foetuses were found in the centre and the operator, Manju Sharma, could not show any documents related to departmental permission. However, permission was taken to operate an ultrasound machine in the centre. Under its cover, the IVF centre was being run illegally.

“During investigation, it came to light that the centre had been running here for about a year,” said a senior police officer.

Manju Sharma admitted that she, along with Dr Nidhi, were partners and the centre had a complete IVF laboratory.

Sonu Verma, a resident of Barwala in Hisar, identified himself as a clinical embryologist at the centre. “I analysis semen and freeze it for ICSI procedure. I joined in March. I was not aware of the registration. But now they are applying for registration,” he claimed.

The FIR was registered under various Sections of the Assisted Reproductive Technology (Regulation) Act, 2021, against the centre owner, sales representative, correspondence executive, receptionist, clinical embryologist, staff nurse, lab technician, OT technician, kitchen staff, receptionist, housekeeping staff and driver.

Some patients were also present at the clinic at the time of the raid, said the police.

Haryana Tribune