Under the provisions of the ART Act-2021 and the Surrogacy Act-2021, childless couples in the state are enjoying the joy of having a child. So far, 56,008 people have sought medical advice under Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART) in the state, while 10,560 married couples have achieved pregnancy through IUI and IVF techniques. The State-Level ART and Surrogacy Board meeting was held today in the auditorium of the Secretariat under the chairmanship of the State’s Medical Health and Medical Education Minister, Dr. Dhan Singh Rawat. Detailed discussions were held with the board members regarding the implementation of the ART Act-2021 and the Surrogacy Act-2021, adherence to ethical standards, and ensuring transparency. Dr. Rawat stated that the robust implementation of the ART Act-2021 and the Surrogacy Act-2021 in the state is providing significant relief to childless couples. He reported that 56,008 people have received medical consultations under Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART) so far, and 10,560 couples have achieved pregnancy through IUI and IVF techniques. On this occasion, Dr. Rawat extended his best wishes to Ayansh, son of Rashmi Sharma and Nitin Sharma, who benefited from the ART and Surrogacy Act. During the meeting, Health Secretary Dr. R. Rajesh Kumar shared his views on the issue of infertility and provided necessary guidelines for the effective implementation of the Act. Additional Secretary Health Anuradha Pal, in coordination with line departments such as Home, Women and Child Empowerment, and Justice, provided suggestions for effective implementation of the Act. Dr. Sunita Chuphal, State Nodal Officer of the State ART and Surrogacy Board, gave a PowerPoint presentation on all activities conducted so far under both Acts in the state. In which he told that a total of 8 Level-1 and 29 Level-2 ART clinics are registered in the state, while 11 ART banks are functional. Apart from this, two surrogacy clinics are also being operated. In which 6 Level-1 and 18 Level-2 ART clinics are being operated in Dehradun district, along with this 2 surrogacy clinics and 6 ART banks are also functional in Dehradun. In Haridwar district, 1 Level-1 and 4 Level-2 ART clinics along with 6 ART banks are functional. In Nainital district, 1 Level-1 and 3 Level-2 ART clinics while 3 ART banks are being operated. Similarly, 4 Level-2 ART clinics and 3 ART banks are functional in Udham Singh Nagar district. Departmental officials informed that for the concrete implementation of ART Act-2021 and Surrogacy Act-2021, ART Surrogacy Board, State Appropriate Authority, Appellate Officer and Medical Boards have been constituted at district level in the state. Cantt MLA Savita Kapoor, Health Secretary Dr. R. Rajesh Kumar, Additional Secretaries Anuradha Pal, Apoorva Pandey, Prakash Chandra, Director General of Health Dr. Sunita Tamta, Director of Health Dr. Shikha Jangpangi, Dr. Amlesh Kumar, Dr. Meenu Vaish, Dr. Latika Chawla, Dr. Renu Saran, Tarun Chamola, Binduvasini, Hemlata Behen, Lawrence Singh, Nitin Sharma and other departmental officials were present in the meeting
