BSV StartWithU Conclave: MedLegal helpdesk set up to provide clarity on ART & surrogacy laws

Mumbai: Bharat Serums and Vaccines Limited (BSV), in partnership with Indian Society of Assisted Reproduction (ISAR), Academy of Clinical Embryologists (ACE), Indian Fertility Society (IFS) and Institute of Medicine & Law, convened a two-day Conclave in Delhi on November 19 and 20.

The Conclave focused on consultative discussions on several topics covered under the Assisted Reproductive Technology Act 2022 (the ART Act).

One of the most significant outcomes of the Conclave has been the creation of an email helpdesk- bsv.arthelpdesk@imlindia.com a first-of-its kind MEDLEGAL helpdesk for the Fertility clinics.

Any queries from centres of experts on the ART Act and Surrogacy Act emailed to this helpdesk will be answered by legal experts from the Institute of Medicine & Law, within 48 hours.

The Conclave was the first such platform which had the participation of all the three leading bodies, namely ISAR, IFS and ACE along with the expert consultants in the national board of ART Act, 2022. It witnessed several leading experts on infertility discuss the implications of the ART Act on IVF treatments as well as the clinical challenges around the ART Act, in addition to broader discussions on male infertility, immunotherapies and scientific and medical advances in IVF treatment.  The Conclave will also provide a series of recommendations on several issues discussed that will serve as best practices towards serving couples who avail the treatment and comply to the ART Act and Surrogacy Act.

Further, BSV has partnered with a leading agency to work with Fertility clinics to get them ready to adhere to the ART Act, while also supporting and assessing these clinics for adherence towards standard protocols and procedures related to infrastructure and documentation as mentioned in the Act.

“This Act was the need of the hour, and we are delighted that it has finally been introduced. However, the ART Act has many legal facets to it that should be understood in terms of treatments being availed by patients.      Through this consultative approach, we endeavour to bring greater awareness, adherence, and accountability to the ART Act”, said Dr Nitiz Murdia, Expert Consultant in the National Board of ART Act 2022 & Co-Founder Indira IVF

The ART Act is critical in shaping the future of artificial reproductive techniques in the country. The ART Act aims to bring a positive shift to provide valuable patient experience. As the infertility burden in the country is rising, it was crucial to have a regulatory framework that improves the patient satisfaction and brings joy to the sub-fertile couples in the country”, said Dr RG Patel, Expert Consultant in the National Board of ART Act 2022

“While the ART Act aims at the regulation and supervision of Fertility clinics and banks, prevention of misuse, and safe and ethical practice of ART services, there is a need to keep pace with rapidly evolving technology, demands of societal changes as well as changing patient needs”, said Dr Nandita Palshetkar, President Indian Society of Assisted Reproduction.

“With 10-14% of Indian couples now experiencing infertility, scientific advancements ensure that the latest treatments are delivered efficiently and effectively for those who need them.  And while we welcome the ART Act & Rules 2022 that aims to standardise the medical and ethical ART practices, we are working towards creating an enabling and supportive ecosystem where these are practiced in both letter and spirit.  Through these collaborative and consultative discussions with relevant stakeholders, we endeavour to shape the industry best-practices, that are both patient friendly as well as compliant, said Vishwanath Swarup, COO, India Business, BSV.