THANE: Authorities in Thane have launched a sweeping inspection of IVF and sonography centres after an unauthorised fertility facility was discovered operating inside a hospital, officials said.
The action follows the recent busting of an illegal human egg-selling racket in Badlapur, which has raised serious concerns about regulatory lapses in the district.
Crackdown after raid
The Thane Municipal Corporation (TMC) health department conducted a raid on March 6 at the hospital, where an unlicensed IVF centre was found functioning.
Officials said the centre’s approval has been cancelled and three sonography machines at the facility have been sealed.
Mayor orders wider inspection
Taking serious note of the violations, Thane mayor Sharmila Pimpalolkar chaired a high-level meeting on Tuesday, attended by Chief Medical Health Officer Dr Prasad Patil and Shiv Sena group leader Pawan Kadam.
She directed authorities to immediately carry out inspections of all IVF and sonography centres within TMC limits and ordered a special drive against illegal diagnostic facilities to ensure compliance with medical regulations.
Exploitation concerns raised
During the meeting, Dr Patil revealed disturbing details about the alleged racket. He said economically vulnerable women were being coerced into undergoing hormonal treatments to produce excess eggs, which were then extracted and sold for large sums to childless couples.
Monitoring mechanism in place
To ensure sustained action, the mayor has mandated a strict monitoring system. Officials have been instructed to submit weekly reports on the progress of the investigation and enforcement measures.
Authorities said the crackdown will continue without interruption as part of efforts to curb illegal practices and safeguard public health.
