The public sector's role in infertility management in India

Bibliographic Data

ID11490205
AuthorsA Widge, Alik S Widge (0000-0001-8510-341X, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, corresponding author), John G F Cleland (0000-0002-1471-7016), Jennifer Cleland (0000-0003-1433-9323)
Year2009
Volume24
Issue2
Pages108-115
Publication date2009-03-01
Peer ReviewedYes
Open AccessYes
TypeARTICLE
VenueHealth Policy and Planning (JOURNAL)
Journal identifiersISSN: 0268-1080 • E-ISSN: 1460-2237
PublisherOxford University Press (PUBLISHER • GB)
DOI10.1093/heapol/czn053
PMID19181675
OpenAlexW2170465253
LanguageEN
Citations received6
References cited17

This objective of this paper is to explore the public sector's role in infertility management in India. It focuses on services available in the public sector, problems faced by and critiques of public sector providers. A postal survey was conducted with a sample of 6000 gynaecologists and in-depth interviews were conducted with 39 gynaecologists in four cities. The role of the public sector in infertility management is weak as even basic investigations and services were limited or incomplete. Inadequate infrastructure, inappropriate management including time management, lack of information and training, absence of clear protocols at all levels, private practice by public health doctors, pre-occupation with other health issues and lack of regulation were the main problems mentioned by providers. Amongst key recommendations are realistic and low-cost management, streamlining and regulating services, counselling of couples, providing information and raising awareness of patients, health personnel and policy makers.

Business · Economic growth · Economics · Infertility · Political science · Private sector · Public health · Public relations · Public sector · Assisted Reproductive Technology and Twin Pregnancy · Demographic Trends and Gender Preferences · Medicine · Nursing · Reproductive Health and Technologies