Apeksha to set up IVF centre in the Maldives

by Lalin Fernandopulle

A child is a gift from God and it a treasure for a married couple, said an overjoyed and thrilled couple who received their first child after six years of trauma and mental agony.

Medical Director, Apeksha IVF and Research Centre, Dr. Champa Nelson

"Our daughter has brought hope and immense happiness to our lives. This would not have been possible if not for the dedication of medical professionals at the Apeksha IVF and Research Centre, Ratmalana who assisted us with care," said the couple.

Global surveys reveal that around 15 percent of married couples across the world do not have children due to fertility deformities. Studies also have revealed that one in six married couples in Sri Lanka is childless.

Research has revealed that male infertility is a primary reason for reproductive defects. Female fertility deformity is not the only reason for reproductive problems.

Male infertility is caused primarily due to abnormal sperm production or function, problems with the delivery of sperm, overexposure to certain chemicals and toxins, damage caused by cancer and its treatment, smoking, consumption of alcohol, stress and unhealthy lifestyles while female infertility is caused by ovulation disorders, uterine or cervical abnormalities, fallopian tube damage or blockage, endometriosis, primary ovarian insufficiency, pelvic adhesions, thyroid problems, cancer and its treatment and certain medication.

Medical Director, Apeksha IVF and Research Centre, Dr. Champa Nelson said postponement of marriage and bearing children for educational and professional attainment, leads to reproductive difficulties. She said many youngsters today put off marriage and begetting children as couples till they establish themselves.

Delaying child birth could lead to complications. Medical research reveal that it is not advisable to have children after 35.

Apeksha which has been in operation since 2010 launching its state-of-the-art In Vitro Fertilisation (IVF) facility this year addresses the growing infertility issue in the country. The IVF facility at Ratmalana built at a cost of Rs. 50 million comprises state-of-the-art modular technology and offers a host of value added services.

Director, Apeksha IVF and Research Centre, Deepal Nelson said that the centre has a pregnancy success rate of around 50 percent and added that plans are afoot to branch out to Galle, Kandy, Anuradhapura and Trincomalee.

"We hope to expand are footprint by going global with our first centre to be set up in the Maldives this year," Nelson said.

He said IVF technology is not new to Sri Lanka. However, for over a decade, there has not been new investments in this area. Apeksha has filled this vacuum by introducing the technology from Denmark and the United Kingdom. The presence of a lady doctor and the ability to deal with patients in all three languages is an advantage," Nelson said.