Agents booked, five fertility centres named in Hyderabad’s illegal oocyte racket; Telangana Women’s Commission questions inaction
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Telangana Women’s Commission Chairperson Nerella Sharada interacts with women rescued in the alleged illegal egg collection racket during a meeting in Hyderabad. | Photo Credit: Special Arrangement
While cases have been registered against a few agents in connection with the alleged illegal collection of eggs (oocytes) from economically vulnerable women, the Telangana Women’s Commission has questioned why no legal action has been initiated against the hospitals and fertility centres allegedly involved in the racket.
The alleged exploitation came to light after 43 women were rescued during simultaneous raids in Hyderabad. Women from economically weaker sections were allegedly offered between ₹20,000 and ₹30,000 for an egg donation cycle, while those operating the racket reportedly made an average of about ₹3 lakh from each cycle.
Expressing strong displeasure over the delay, the Commission said that despite its directions to the concerned authorities to conduct a comprehensive investigation into the hospitals and laboratories allegedly involved, no concrete steps had been taken against the institutions so far.
During her interaction with the affected women, Commission Chairperson Nerella Sharada said that she was informed about the alleged involvement of five institutions which include, Indira IVF Centre, Narmada Fertility Centre, Oasis Fertility Centre, Sadguru ART Centre and Padmaja Fertility Centre. The women also named an individual identified as Dr. Hussain in their complaints.
Ms. Nerella expressed concern over the fact that the whereabouts of Dr. Hussain remain unknown and that no case has been registered against him so far.
Questioning the delay in action, the Commission has urged senior officials of the health department to immediately conduct an inquiry into the allegations against the hospitals and IVF centres named by the affected women and initiate stringent legal action against those found responsible.
The Commission further warned that there would be serious consequences if there was any further delay in registering cases against those involved in unlawful activities concerning women’s bodily autonomy, dignity and health.
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