Health ministry approves IVF Standards to regulate infertility treatment

KATHMANDU: The Ministry of Health and Population has approved the “Standards for the Operation of Infertility Management Services, 2025” to regulate and streamline In Vitro Fertilization (IVF) and related infertility treatments in Nepal.

Minister for Health and Population Pradeep Poudel approved the standards through a ministerial decision on Sunday.

The new guidelines aim to organize infertility treatment services across the country, including the regulation of required laboratories, human resources, and the sensitive procedures involving sperm and egg donation.

Dr Saroj Sharma, head of the Quality Assessment and Regulation Division at the ministry, said that the standards will provide a legal basis for effective regulation of infertility centers and bring uniformity to treatment services.

According to Dr Sharma, the standards define minimum physical infrastructure, personnel and lab requirements. It also seeks to ensure transparency in service fees and safeguard the rights of both patients and donors.

“Infertility is not just a sensitive health issue but also a deeply social and psychological one,” said Dr. Sharma. “These standards mark a milestone in making infertility services safer, more transparent and aligned with international practices.”

He added that service providers will be held fully accountable under the new standards, and those who fail to comply will face strict legal action.

Ministry spokesperson Dr Prakash Budhathoki said the new standards would play a vital role in making the reproductive health sector more structured and effective.

“Infertility cases have been rising in recent years. However, concerns about the quality and procedures of treatment centers were growing,” said Dr Budhathoki. “Many couples risked being misled or receiving substandard services, which could endanger their lives. These new standards will be crucial in making services safer and more trustworthy.”