In  an e-mail interview with Ananya Goenka, Reporter, Indian Pharma Post, Dr. Umesh N Jindal, a pioneer in reproductive medicine and one of India’s leading infertility specialists, shares deep insights into how assisted reproductive technologies (ART) have transformed the landscape of fertility care in the country. From the early days of IVF to the integration of artificial intelligence and genetic testing, Dr. Jindal discusses the remarkable progress, persistent challenges, and promising future of infertility treatments in India with ...

How do you see the evolution of infertility treatment in India? 

Infertility treatment in India has evolved from being an almost unknown and socially sensitive topic to a mainstream, technologically advanced field that combines science with compassionate care. Awareness among couples has grown tremendously, and there is now greater acceptance of assisted reproductive techniques across social and cultural boundaries. Clinics are increasingly adopting innovations such as time-lapse embryo monitoring, vitrification, and preimplantation genetic testing, which improve outcomes and personalise care. At the same time, strategic partnerships and expansion into Tier-II and III cities are making high-quality treatment more accessible, reducing the need for long-distance travel. 

Over the next decade, we see India emerging as a global hub for reproductive medicine, driven by digitisation, AI-assisted decision-making, and integrated fertility preservation programs. The evolution is not just about numbers or success rates, but about creating patient-centric, ethical, and evidence-based care that transforms the journey to parenthood. 

How has IVF specifically changed over the years in terms of techniques, success rates, and patient accessibility in India? 

IVF in India has come a long way from being an experimental procedure to becoming a highly advanced, patient-focused field. Techniques like ICSI, blastocyst culture, time-lapse embryo monitoring, vitrification, and preimplantation genetic testing have made it possible to handle even the most complex infertility and genetic cases with precision. 

Success rates have improved not just because of technology but through personalised approaches that look at each patient’s diagnostics, hormone profiles, and coordinated care between doctors, embryologists, and counsellors. Access to treatment has also expanded, with partnerships in smaller cities and teleconsultation options that reduce travel and emotional stress. 

Among ART procedures like IUI, IVF, ICSI, embryo freezing, and others, which do you consider the most significant breakthrough for patients and why? 

When we look at ART procedures like IUI, IVF, ICSI, and embryo freezing, each has brought its own significance to patient care. IUI offers a simple, less invasive option for certain infertility cases, making early intervention accessible. 

IVF opened the door to treating a wider range of fertility challenges, while ICSI specifically addressed severe male factor infertility, allowing fertilisation in situations that were previously untreatable. Embryo and oocyte freezing have added an entirely new dimension, giving individuals the flexibility to preserve fertility for personal or medical reasons without compromising outcomes. Combined with advances in genetic screening and personalised protocols, these technologies together create a continuum of care that enhances success rates, reduces emotional stress, and empowers couples to make informed decisions about parenthood on their own timeline. 

How do you see digitalization / artificial intelligence (AI) transforming IVF, embryo selection, and personalized fertility care in the near future? 

Digitalization and AI are really changing how we approach IVF and fertility care. AI helps us monitor embryos continuously and score them objectively, which supports the embryologist’s judgment and improves implantation success while often reducing the number of cycles a couple needs. 

At the same time, digital tools let us offer teleconsultations, remote monitoring, and personalised treatment plans that take into account hormone profiles, ovarian reserve, and genetic information, so every protocol is tailored to the couple. 

Data analytics also allow us to track outcomes, refine lab protocols, and identify potential issues early, making the journey more efficient and less stressful. 

What role does genetic testing now play in improving ART outcomes and reducing hereditary disease transmission? 

Genetic testing has become an integral part of ART, allowing us to identify chromosomal abnormalities and hereditary conditions before embryo transfer. Techniques like preimplantation genetic testing help ensure that only healthy embryos are selected, improving implantation success and reducing the risk of miscarriage. It also allows couples with known genetic risks to make informed decisions, preventing transmission of conditions such as thalassemia, cystic fibrosis, or other inherited disorders. 

Beyond clinical outcomes, genetic testing provides clarity and confidence to patients, reducing emotional stress and uncertainty during treatment. When combined with personalised protocols and advanced embryo monitoring, it transforms ART from a reactive process into a predictive, precision-driven approach, aligning medical expertise with patient goals and long-term family planning. 

What role do genetic testing, fertility preservation, and assisted reproductive technologies play in shaping the future of reproductive medicine in India? 

Advances in genetic testing, fertility preservation, and assisted reproductive technologies are reshaping reproductive care across India. Genetic screening allows clinicians to identify potential hereditary conditions early, improving ART outcomes and reducing the risk of transmitting serious disorders. 

Fertility preservation gives individuals flexibility to plan parenthood without being constrained by age or medical circumstances, while innovations like IVF, ICSI, and embryo freezing offer tailored solutions for diverse infertility challenges. The integration of these technologies enables a more predictive and personalised approach, aligning treatment protocols with each patient’s unique medical and emotional context. As adoption grows, these combined capabilities are raising clinical standards, expanding access to high-quality care beyond metropolitan centers, and establishing a framework where families can pursue parenthood with confidence, safety, and long-term planning in mind. 

Infertility services are often concentrated in urban areas. What concrete steps can be taken to improve accessibility to IVF and advanced fertility treatments in rural and underserved regions 

Expanding access to infertility care beyond urban centers requires a combination of infrastructure, technology, and strategic collaboration. Establishing satellite OPD clinics and partnering with local hospitals allows patients to receive consultations, diagnostics, and counselling close to home, reducing travel and emotional burden. 

Telemedicine and remote monitoring can extend specialist guidance to underserved areas, enabling early intervention and personalised treatment planning. Training local clinicians and embryologists through structured fellowships or mentorship programs builds regional capacity while maintaining quality standards. 

Additionally, public-private partnerships and awareness campaigns can address social stigma, provide subsidised care for financially constrained patients, and ensure that advanced fertility treatments become both accessible and ethically delivered across diverse communities. 

What are the unique challenges and opportunities India faces in making assisted reproductive technologies both affordable and widely available?

India faces a unique set of challenges in making assisted reproductive technologies both affordable and accessible. High costs of advanced procedures, specialised lab infrastructure, and trained personnel limit uptake, particularly outside urban centers, while social stigma and lack of awareness can delay couples from seeking care.

At the same time, there is a tremendous opportunity to leverage India’s growing healthcare infrastructure, skilled workforce, and digital connectivity to expand reach. Satellite clinics, teleconsultations, and partnerships with local hospitals can bring expert care closer to underserved regions, while standardised protocols and training maintain quality.

Expanding insurance coverage or government-backed subsidies can further reduce financial barriers. When affordability, accessibility, and ethical care align, ART can become a reliable and inclusive solution for families across the country.

After IVF, how does a child’s growth and development compare to naturally conceived children? What does recent research suggest about long-term outcomes for IVF-conceived individuals? 

Children conceived through IVF generally grow and develop just like those conceived naturally. Some may be born with slightly lower birth weights or experience slower growth in the womb, but they usually catch up quickly and follow healthy growth patterns. 

With modern techniques and personalised monitoring, we can support their development right from the start. Studies and long-term observations show that overall health, cognitive milestones, and even educational outcomes are comparable to naturally conceived children. Continuous follow-up and attentive care help address any early concerns, giving families confidence that IVF children thrive just as well, allowing parenthood to be both safe and fulfilling.