Guwahati, May 23: In a bold leap for reproductive healthcare, Assam Health Minister Ashok Singhal on Friday handed out official certifications to five institutions, greenlighting the establishment of Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART) Clinics, ART Banks, and Surrogacy Clinics in the state. The event, held at Janata Bhawan in Dispur, marks the formal rollout of regulated fertility and surrogacy services in Assam.
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.
Calling it a landmark moment, Singhal said, “Today marks a turning point in Assam’s healthcare journey. With formal regulation now in place, we’re bringing hope and happiness to couples who have long struggled to conceive.”
This development comes in sync with the Assisted Reproductive Technology (Regulation) Act, 2021 and the Surrogacy (Regulation) Act, 2021, backed by national rules notified in 2022. Assam responded by establishing the State ART and Surrogacy Board and a dedicated Appropriate Authority in December 2023 to implement the new framework.
To streamline applications for ART and surrogacy certification, a statewide campaign launched on January 30, 2025, via newspaper ads. Applications are submitted online through the National ART & Surrogacy Portal, followed by documentation, payment, and rigorous inspections by the authority.
Earlier this year, the system issued its first certificate to an intending couple and surrogate mother in Dibrugarh, officially initiating regulated surrogacy in the state.
Singhal reiterated the government’s focus on ensuring safe, ethical, and high-quality reproductive care. “We’re building a transparent, accountable system that guarantees access to cutting-edge fertility treatments,” he said.
The certification event was attended by top health officials, including Dr. P. Ashok Babu, Barnali Shama, Dr. Umesh Phangcho, and Dr. Heremba Bhattacharyya, along with senior officers from the Health & Family Welfare Department.
