A major step has been taken to improve reproductive health services in Assam. Assam Health and Family Welfare Minister Ashok Singhal distributed official certificates to five institutions for setting up Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART) clinics, ART banks and surrogacy clinics at a program held in Guwahati. The institutions that have received this certificate include Apollo Fertility, Downtown Hospital, GMCH Fertility and IVF Center, Institute of Human Reproduction and Swasti Hospital. The minister said that this day is very important for the health sector of Assam as now the surrogacy process has come under government regulations.
Government created transparent and accountable system
Minister Ashok Singhal said that certifying these institutions will give hope and happiness to couples who are struggling to have children. This achievement has been achieved under the ‘Assisted Reproductive Technology (Regulation) Act, 2021’ and ‘Surrogacy (Regulation) Act, 2021’ implemented by the Government of India. Along with this, the Assam government has constituted the State ART and Surrogacy Board and the Appropriate Authority in December 2023. According to these rules, all clinics have to be accredited so that the services are safe, ethical and of high quality.
Process of issuing certificate and online application
The Appropriate Authority launched a statewide advertising campaign in January 2025 so that institutions providing ART and surrogacy services can apply. All applications are submitted online on the National ART and Surrogacy Portal. After that printed documents and registration fees also have to be submitted. The authority inspects the institutions after checking these documents. The certificate is issued only after the investigation is completed. Earlier this year, a couple and surrogate mother in Dibrugarh were given a certificate by the District Medical Board, marking the beginning of regulated surrogacy services in Assam.
Government’s promise – to provide safe and advanced service
Minister Ashok Singhal said that the government is committed to ensuring safe, ethical and high-quality fertility care. The aim is to create a transparent and accountable system in the state so that needy couples can get modern reproductive services. Commissioner and Secretary of Health Department Dr. P. Ashok Babu, Barnali Sharma, DHS Dr. Umesh Fangcho, Joint DHS Dr. Haremba Bhattacharya and other senior health officials and departmental employees were present in this program.
