Mumbai’s King Edward Memorial (KEM) Hospital is set to launch a state-of-the-art in-vitro fertilisation (IVF) centre, named MAA, on Monday, February 23, 2026. This initiative aims to significantly expand access to fertility treatments, particularly for those who rely on public healthcare. The centre, a public-private partnership between the hospital and former students Dr. Anjali and Dr. Aniruddha Malpani, will be inaugurated by Maharashtra’s Public Health and Family Welfare Minister Prakash Abitkar, alongside Mumbai Mayor Ritu Tawde.
The MAA IVF Centre addresses a critical need for affordable fertility care in India, where millions of couples struggle with infertility but face limited access to ethical and evidence-based IVF services, especially within the public sector. Dr. Anjali Malpani stated the centre’s primary goal is to provide the most “affordable” IVF treatment in the city, offering cycles at approximately one-fifth the cost of those in the private sector, which can reach up to Rs 3 lakh. This commitment to accessibility is already demonstrating results, with over 100 women registering for various IVF treatments in the two months the centre has been open for outpatient consultations.
A Legacy of Pioneering Reproductive Technology
The launch of MAA holds particular significance as it marks 40 years since India’s first officially documented test-tube baby was born at KEM Hospital on August 6, 1986. That baby, Harsha Chawda, was born following lab operate primarily conducted at the Indian Council of Medical Research’s National Institute for Research in Reproductive and Child Health, located near KEM. However, the history of IVF in India is complex. The Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) has also credited Kolkata-based Dr. Subhash Mukhopadhyay with delivering India’s first test-tube baby in 1978, a few months after the world’s first IVF baby, Louise Brown, was born in the UK.
Modern Facilities and a Commitment to Research
The new centre boasts modern embryology laboratory facilities, digital medical record-keeping, and advanced IVF technology. A couple of days prior to the inauguration, the clinic successfully performed its first intrauterine insemination (IUI) – a basic infertility treatment involving the placement of concentrated sperm directly into the uterus. Dr. Malpani has pledged to invest Rs 1 crore annually for the next five years to support the MAA clinic, with plans to soon begin cryopreservation of embryos, eggs, and sperm. Located adjacent to the only multi-storeyed building on the KEM campus, the centre will also serve as a hub for teaching and research, fostering a multidisciplinary team dedicated to delivering safe and effective fertility treatment.
The MAA IVF Centre isn’t solely focused on patient care; it will also prioritize training the next generation of gynaecologists in assisted reproductive techniques and conducting research to simplify and improve IVF procedures, ultimately aiming to make them more cost-effective and widely accessible. This initiative is expected to strengthen fertility services within Mumbai’s public healthcare system and broaden options for couples seeking scientifically sound and affordable treatment.
As the MAA IVF Centre prepares to open its doors, it represents a significant step forward in addressing the challenges of infertility in India and fulfilling the dream of parenthood for countless couples. The centre’s commitment to affordability, combined with its state-of-the-art facilities and dedication to research, positions it as a vital resource for the community.
Disclaimer: This article provides informational content about medical advancements and should not be considered medical advice. Please consult with a qualified healthcare professional for any health concerns or before making any decisions related to your health or treatment.
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