Telangana Health Minister C Damodar Rajanarasimha has ordered a detailed investigation into the alleged illegal harvesting and commercial sale of human eggs in the state, following the arrest of eight people in Hyderabad on October 30. Police also rescued 43 women during the operation.
The Minister instructed health officials to identify those involved and initiate strict action against institutions and individuals violating the law. Subsequently, task force teams stepped up inspections of in-vitro fertilisation (IVF) centres across Telangana.
Authorities have inspected 27 of the 44 registered assisted reproductive technology (ART) facilities in the state. The inspections revealed 13 violations across seven hospitals, prompting officials to issue show-cause notices to the managements. Checks at the remaining facilities are continuing.
The health department is also examining documents seized by the police and seeking information from the National Assisted Reproductive Technology and Surrogacy Registry. A team of state officials visited the registry's office in New Delhi on November 6 to obtain details submitted by registered clinics and banks operating in Telangana.
Investigators are examining the involvement of doctors, fertility centres, intermediaries, and women identified in the case.
Police have stated that the accused brought women from West Bengal, Uttar Pradesh, and other states to Hyderabad, where they were accommodated and recruited for egg extraction procedures.
The health department reiterated that all human egg harvesting procedures must comply with the Assisted Reproductive Technology (Regulation) Act and its rules. It also cautioned women against financial inducements and misleading promises from intermediaries, urging them to report suspicious activities to their district medical and health officers.