Fertility services to expand to islands following success of the National Fertility Centre

Indira Gandhi Memorial Hospital (IGMH) announced today that the services of the recently opened National Fertility Centre will be extended to regional hospitals across the country.

During a ceremony held at Dharumavantha Hospital to celebrate the center's early successes, Dr. Aseel Jaleel, Clinical Director and Senior Consultant of the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, highlighted that fertility rates in the Maldives are currently on the decline.

Referencing data from two years ago, Dr. Aseel noted that the fertility rate stood at 1.759.

The National Fertility Centre was officially inaugurated at Dharumavantha Hospital on November 15, 2024, specifically to provide specialized reproductive treatments. The first baby conceived through the center’s IVF treatment was born on the 7th of this month, followed by a second birth just four days later.

Since its opening, 578 people have consulted with doctors at the center, and IGMH confirmed that 23 pregnancies have been successfully recorded so far.

During the ceremony, Dr. Aseel emphasized that infertility is not solely a medical issue but is also linked to environmental factors and lifestyle habits. He stated that the center's mission extends beyond the capital, Malé, and that it is a primary duty to provide equitable assistance to the islands.

"The National Fertility Centre is now planning to work in collaboration with various regional hospitals. The objective is to identify and assist those in need of treatment, bring services closer to where they live, and expand this service across the entire Maldives," Dr. Aseel said.

He further stated that these efforts will eventually eliminate the need for Maldivians to travel abroad to seek fertility treatments.