Hyderabad: In a major crackdown on illegal fertility practices, the Gopalapuram Police and Hyderabad Task Force, along with officials from the District Medical and Health Office (DMHO), carried out simultaneous raids on Universal Srushti Fertility Centres in Secunderabad and Visakhapatnam.The teams seized crucial evidence, including medical equipment, unlicensed scanning machines, surrogacy agreements, case records, mobile phones, and other digital devices used in the commission of the crime. While the city currently has 199 certified ART (Assisted Reproductive Treatment) Banks — 123 in Hyderabad, 40 in Rangareddy, 35 in Medchal, and one in Yadadri — the accused was found operating entirely outside the regulatory framework. Police revealed that the main accused, Athaluri Namratha, had been operating her centres without a valid medical licence since 2021. Instead, she was using the credentials of another individual, Surya Sri, to continue her practice illegally at multiple locations. The Telangana Medical Council confirmed to Deccan Chronicle that Namratha’s licence had earlier been cancelled for five years after she was found in possession of sex determination equipment, which is prohibited under Indian law. Dr J. Venkati, Hyderabad DMHO, said, “When our teams entered the centre, we observed equipment that indicated this facility was being used for illegal practices without a licence. We proceeded to seize everything, including unlicensed scanning equipment.” He added that the Srushti Test Tube Baby Centre had no clinical establishment licence and was operating in complete violation of health regulations. Explaining the legal process, Dr Venkati said any fertility centre must apply under norms framed by the government of India. “Applicants must download the application format, pay a fee, and undergo an inspection by the state health team. Certification is granted only if all criteria are met, including staff qualifications such as one year of infertility training and the presence of an embryologist.” He acknowledged that despite regular inspections, some clinics manage to operate secretly. “Often, patients are aware that a facility is illegal. Both the people and some clinics operate discreetly, which makes detection of these illegal centres difficult. We urge the public and PHC doctors to alert us if they notice such unauthorised centres.” Telangana Medical Council Vice-Chairman, Dr. Srinivas Gundagani said the council would treat this case suo motu. “We will form a committee, issue notices, and take further disciplinary action. It has also come to light that one of the accused, N. Sadanandam, an anaesthesiologist from Gandhi Hospital, was involved despite anaesthesiologists having no role in IVF or surrogacy procedures. His involvement will also be investigated.” Dr Gundagani urged the public to be cautious. “When opting for fertility treatments like IVF, couples must verify whether the doctor is genuine and whether the hospital is registered. Test results must be transparently shared, and all procedures must be properly documented. A list of certified centres is available on the Commissionerate of Health and Family Welfare website.” Dr. Venkati stated that Indian law prohibits commercial surrogacy under the Surrogacy (Regulation) Act, 2021. “The Act bans commercial surrogacy, where monetary transactions are involved. However, altruistic surrogacy — where a close relative carries the child without financial compensation — is permitted under strict conditions,” he said. The couple must be Indian citizens, married for at least five years, and must meet the eligibility criteria. He further added that the Act mandates that all surrogacy clinics be registered under the Surrogacy Act and are required to follow ethical medical practices and proper documentation procedures.
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