Health Ministry finally sets guidelines on assisted reproductive technology and other infertility treatment protocols

Director of Maternal and Child Health, and Consultant Physician Dr. Chandima Sirithunga, recently presented a set of guidelines on assisted reproductive technology and other infertility treatment protocols to the Minister of Health and Mass Media, Dr Nalinda Jayatissa, at a ceremony held at the Ministry of Health.

These guidelines are intended to be followed by hospitals and all other healthcare institutions providing infertility treatment, with the aim of ensuring higher-quality healthcare services for patients seeking medical assistance for infertility. Institutions implementing these guidelines will be required to provide accurate information to patients, adhere to medical ethics, utilise safe treatment methods, report any adverse effects, and implement appropriate measures to address complications.

While many Western and Asian countries have established regulatory bodies to oversee infertility treatment in hospitals and healthcare centres, Sri Lanka currently lacks such an institution. The introduction of these national guidelines by the Ministry of Health is, therefore, considered a timely initiative to ensure proper regulation and standardisation of infertility treatment practices in the country.

The event was attended by several senior healthcare professionals, including Deputy Minister of Health and Mass Media Dr Hansaka Wijemuni, Senior Professor in Obstetrics and Gynaecology at the Faculty of Medicine in Colombo Dr Athula Kaluwaarachchi, President of the Sri Lanka College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists Dr Sanath Akmeemana, Consultant in Reproductive Medicine Dr Milhan Bacha, Senior Lecturer in Obstetrics and Gynaecology at the University of Sri Jayewardenepura Dr Chaminda Hunukumbura, and Specialist in Public Health at the Family Health Bureau Dr Loshan Munasinghe.