Guwahati: In a landmark move for reproductive healthcare in Assam, Health and Family Welfare Minister Ashok Singhal distributed official certificates to five institutions for setting up Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART) Clinics, ART Banks, and Surrogacy Clinics at a ceremony held in Guwahati.
According to ANI, the certified institutions include:
- Apollo Fertility, Guwahati
- Downtown Hospital, Guwahati
- GMCH Fertility and IVF Centre, Guwahati
- Institute of Human Reproduction, Guwahati
- Swasti Hospital, Rangia
Regulated Reproductive Services Now Operational in Assam
During the event, Minister Singhal stated that this marks a significant day for the state’s health sector, as surrogacy services in Assam are now formally regulated. The initiative promises to bring “hope and happiness to distressed couples struggling with infertility.”
The certifications follow the implementation of the Assisted Reproductive Technology (Regulation) Act, 2021, and the Surrogacy (Regulation) Act, 2021, with relevant rules enforced in 2022. To align with these national mandates, the State Assisted Reproductive Technology and Surrogacy Board and the Appropriate Authority for ART and Surrogacy were established by the Assam government in December 2023.
Streamlined Certification Process
To facilitate compliance, the Appropriate Authority launched a state-wide drive on January 30, 2025, inviting institutions to apply via the National ART & Surrogacy Portal. Applications are reviewed both online and through physical verification. Once documentation and inspections are complete, eligible institutions receive certification.
Earlier this year, Assam issued its first regulated surrogacy certificate to an intending couple and a surrogate mother after clearance from the District Medical Board in Dibrugarh, marking the official beginning of regulated surrogacy services in the state.
Commitment to Ethical and Safe Care
Minister Singhal reiterated the government’s commitment to creating a transparent, ethical, and high-quality reproductive care system. He emphasized the importance of building accountable frameworks that guarantee equitable access to advanced reproductive services.
The certification ceremony was attended by several senior health officials, including:
- Dr. P. Ashok Babu, Commissioner & Secretary, Health & Family Welfare Department
- Barnali Shama, Commissioner & Secretary, Health & Family Welfare Department
- Dr. Umesh Phangcho, Director of Health Services, Assam
- Dr. Heremba Bhattacharyya, Joint DHS (HQ) and Nodal Officer for Surrogacy
