IVF

International Sperm Bank Comes To India

Cryos International is the first international company to set up its base in Mumbai

From L-R: Dr Pushpa Bhargava, Dilip Patil and Ole Schou

Cryos India set up its base in Mumbai making it the first international sperm bank of India. The company's area of expertise include donor semen, patient deposits and other semen related clinical products. The international network of Cryos sperm banks supply frozen tested donor semen to more than 60 countries. "Clinical data estimates that almost 12 per cent of Indian couples suffer from some form of infertility and this gives rise to the need of quality sperm bank in India," says Dr Pushpa Mitra Bhargava, Member of Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR). Globally, sperm banking is no longer a solution only for the infertile couples. “Couples or individual men choose to freeze their sperms for various reasons that could be related to their lifestyle, medical conditions or simply a matter of choice," informs Ole Schou, Founder, Cryos International. The facility adheres to the US FDA and ICMR guidelines. The company has invested around one crore in India. "Quality sperm banking offers a safe alternative for those requiring medical treatment such as radiation or chemo-therapy and those undergoing surgeries which may impair their ability to produce sperms," says Dilip Patil, Managing Director, Cryos International India. One of the crucial aspects with Cryos International is the privacy and confidentiality of both the donor and recipient information as recommended by ICMR. "With the growing awareness and acceptability of ART there is a demand for independent, quality sperm and egg banks in India. Also, the current ones do not adhere to guidelines. Hence we intend to bring quality in this segment," shares Patil. Cryos International has brought in its technology to Cryos India and would impart continuous training to the entire staff on a periodic basis. After setting up its base in Mumbai, the company is looking for a pan-India presence. "In a few months, we will set up our branches at Ahmedabad and New Delhi. In the next 18-24 months we want to cover the metros and towns of India," informed Patil. Globally, they are looking out for expanding in countries like South Africa, Greece and after establishing themselves in New York, they will set up base in Mexico in the US.

EH News Bureau