India to host 6th National IVF Summit & Awards 2025 with focus on inclusive fertility ecosystem

The Integrated Health & Wellbeing (IHW) Council, in collaboration with the Indian Society for Assisted Reproduction (ISAR) and with support from the Indian Fertility Society (IFS), will organise the 6th National IVF Summit & Awards 2025 on 25 July at Crowne Plaza, Okhla, New Delhi. The summit, scheduled to mark World IVF Day, will address key themes in assisted reproductive technology (ART), including access, equity, ethics, and innovation.

Infertility impacts approximately 10–15 per cent of Indian couples, amounting to an estimated 27.5 million individuals across the country. While in vitro fertilisation (IVF) has emerged as a vital treatment option, challenges persist in accessibility and affordability. Global live birth rates for IVF average 50 per cent per cycle for women under 35, with Indian fertility centres reporting similar outcomes in younger patients. However, the opportunity to access timely care remains limited for many, due to stigma, cost, and lack of awareness.

The Indian IVF market, valued at USD 750 million in 2020, is projected to expand to USD 3.72 billion by 2030, with annual cycles expected to double from the current 200,000–250,000. IVF costs in India, ranging from ₹90,000 to ₹2,50,000 per cycle (USD 1,100–3,000), are significantly lower than in countries such as the US or Canada, positioning India as a destination for fertility tourism. Nonetheless, a high out-of-pocket burden and uneven insurance coverage continue to present obstacles.

Themed “Building the World’s Most Inclusive IVF Ecosystem,” the 2025 summit aims to initiate systemic solutions to these issues. More than 150 participants — including clinicians, IVF providers, researchers, legal experts, patient advocates, diagnostic companies, and hospital leadership — are expected to engage in five thematic tracks. Topics will include expanding fertility services to Tier 2 and rural regions, legal and ethical frameworks in ART and surrogacy, onco-fertility, and clinical innovation.

A dedicated ‘Sustainability Hour’ will address environmental and operational sustainability in IVF practices. The session will feature discussions on low-stimulation IVF protocols, energy-efficient AI-powered diagnostics, responsible lab management, and care delivery models that prioritise emotional wellbeing. The session aims to link reproductive health efforts to the UN Sustainable Development Goals and COP29 outcomes.

Additional sessions will cover male infertility, women’s experiences in IVF care, and a regional roundtable led by ISAR focusing on fertility gaps across Indian states.

“The reality is stark — more than 28 million couples in India face infertility, yet access to care remains a challenge due to stigma, financial hurdles, and inconsistent quality standards,” said Kamal Narayan, CEO of IHW Council. “This summit is about pushing beyond token conversations. It’s about making fertility care part of mainstream healthcare. We want to bring science, empathy, and accountability together to ensure that IVF is no longer seen as a privilege for a few, but a right available to all. By creating an inclusive and ethical ecosystem, we can truly transform lives, families, and futures.”

The IVF Awards 2025 will also be a central part of the summit, recognising contributors across over 30 categories. The awards will acknowledge work in ART technologies, digital health solutions, patient-first practices, awareness campaigns, and male fertility services.

For the first time, the summit will introduce a Regional Recognition platform to honour individuals and organisations working in Tier 2 and rural areas. These honourees will be recognised for their efforts in making fertility services accessible despite geographic, economic, and social barriers.