To bolster fertility treatment standards in India, Oval Advanced Fertility Care and Merck Specialities, the Indian healthcare arm of Merck Germany, have signed an MoU to improve access to advanced reproductive care and drive more consistent, high-quality outcomes.

 

The collaboration comes at a time when access to high-quality fertility treatment remains uneven, despite rapid market expansion. India’s IVF industry, valued at approximately USD 2.35 billion in 2024, is projected to grow to USD 5.03 billion by 2034 at a CAGR of 7.9 per cent. 

 

However, both organisations noted that growth alone has not translated into consistent standards of care or improved patient outcomes.

 

Through the partnership, the two will focus on strengthening clinical capabilities, improving transparency, enhancing patient experience, and integrating data-led and technology-driven approaches to make fertility outcomes more predictable and reliable. The initiative also aims to bridge persistent gaps in access, clinical consistency, and patient guidance across the fertility ecosystem.

 

For millions of couples, infertility remains a widespread challenge. Estimates suggest that around 15–20% of Indian couples—nearly 30 million people—are affected, yet only about 1% receive treatment.

 

Veena Reddy, Co-Founder & Director, Oval Fertility, said, "When we set out to build Oval, we were clear that we wanted to offer care that goes well beyond the procedure since India's fertility landscape is at an important juncture. The gap between the number of couples who need care and those who actually receive quality treatment remains very wide. 

 

"The partnership with Merck brings together shared values around transparency, clinical excellence, and putting the patient at the centre of every decision."

 

Pratima Reddy, Managing Director, Merck Specialities Private Limited, said, “Fertility care in India is evolving rapidly, with patients seeking greater transparency, a more seamless experience, and stronger confidence in outcomes. 

 

"As a leader in IVF, Merck is well positioned to partner with progressive care providers to address these expectations through an integrated approach, combining clinical expertise, advanced technologies, and data-driven insights. Through collaborations like this, we are committed to strengthening the fertility ecosystem and advancing more predictable, high-quality standards of care for patients across the country."

 

The partnership signals a push toward more structured, transparent, and outcome-driven fertility care in a sector where demand is rising faster than standards.