The recent revelations surrounding the Srushti surrogacy scam have thrown Telangana’s booming fertility industry under an unflattering spotlight. Investigations carried out by state authorities exposed that nearly half of the state’s fertility and IVF centers are functioning in violation of medical, ethical, and regulatory standards—placing patients, especially surrogate mothers, at severe risk.
The Case that Sparked the Storm
The scandal came to light after irregularities at the Srushti Fertility Centre in Hyderabad surfaced, where women were allegedly misled, exploited, and subjected to unsafe medical practices under the garb of surrogacy arrangements. Initial raids revealed missing medical records, unqualified staff, and unsafe treatment protocols.
Systemic Negligence Beyond One Clinic
While the Srushti case was the trigger, subsequent raids across Telangana revealed widespread lapses:
- Several clinics failed to maintain proper medical documentation.
- Lack of adherence to ethical guidelines surrounding surrogacy agreements.
- Exploitative practices targeting economically vulnerable women.
- Inadequate post-procedure care for surrogate mothers.
Shockingly, the inspection teams reported that nearly 50% of the clinics checked were non-compliant, exposing a pattern of negligence rather than isolated malpractice.
Risks to Surrogate Mothers
The findings have raised serious concerns about the health and safety of surrogate mothers, many of whom belong to lower-income groups and are lured by the promise of financial compensation. With little legal protection and inadequate monitoring, these women are often subjected to multiple embryo implantations, unsafe hormonal treatments, and lack of post-natal care.
Government Crackdown & Policy Implications
In response, Telangana’s health authorities have vowed to tighten the regulatory framework, promising stricter licensing checks, mandatory compliance audits, and stronger enforcement mechanisms. The scandal has also reignited debates over the ethical dimensions of commercial surrogacy in India, where demand continues to rise despite mounting risks.
The Bigger Picture
India’s fertility industry is estimated to be worth billions, with Hyderabad emerging as a key hub. However, the Srushti scam underscores a critical gap between rapid commercial growth and regulatory oversight. Unless stringent monitoring mechanisms are put in place, experts warn, profit-driven practices could continue to endanger women’s health and tarnish India’s reputation as a medical tourism destination.