Guwahati: Ashok Singhal distributes Certificates to Art and Surrogacy Clinics

STAFF REPORTER

GUWAHATI: Health and Family Welfare Minister Ashok Singhal on Friday awarded official certificates to five institutions for the establishment of Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART) Clinics, ART Banks, and Surrogacy Clinics. The distribution ceremony was held at the minister’s office in Janata Bhawan, Dispur.

The certified institutions include Apollo Fertility, Guwahati; Down Town Hospital, Guwahati; GMCH Fertility and IVF Centre, Guwahati; The Institute of Human Reproduction, Guwahati; and Swasti Hospital, Rangia. These institutions are now authorized to offer ART and surrogacy services under government regulation.

Speaking at the event, Minister Singhal highlighted the significance of the day for Assam’s healthcare sector. He stated that surrogacy is now officially regulated by the government in the state, which will bring new hope to distressed couples struggling with infertility. The certification of these institutions aims to ensure safe, ethical, and accessible reproductive care for all.

This development comes in the wake of the implementation of the Assisted Reproductive Technology (Regulation) Act, 2021, and the Surrogacy (Regulation) Act, 2021, with corresponding rules notified in 2022. In accordance with these central regulations, the Government of Assam established the State ART and Surrogacy Board and the Appropriate Authority in December 2023.

To streamline the certification process, the Appropriate Authority launched a statewide advertisement campaign on January 30, 2025, inviting applications from eligible institutions. Applications are submitted through the National ART & Surrogacy Portal, followed by physical documentation and fee payments. Certified institutions undergo inspections by the Appropriate Authority before receiving final approval.

Earlier this year, Assam issued its first surrogacy certificate to an intending couple and a surrogate mother in Dibrugarh, after evaluation by the District Medical Board, marking the beginning of regulated surrogacy in the state. Minister Singhal reiterated the government’s dedication to ensuring high-quality reproductive healthcare. He emphasized the creation of a transparent and accountable system that prioritizes patient welfare and equitable access to advanced fertility services.

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