India’s fertility and reproductive health landscape is undergoing a profound transformation. With increasing awareness, technological advances, and evolving societal needs, fertility care in India is entering a bold new era. Against this backdrop, the 2nd IVF Summit & Awards 2025, organized by Voice of Healthcare (VOH) and supported by the Indian Fertility Society (IFS), brought together some of the country’s most respected experts, policymakers, clinicians, and institutional leaders on 22nd June 2025 at the Courtyard by Marriott, Mumbai for a power-packed day of knowledge exchange, policy dialogue, and celebration of excellence.
The summit began with the Opening Remarks by Dr. Naveen Nishchal, Founding Chairman of Voice of Healthcare and a serial entrepreneur, who welcomed delegates from across the country — including IVF specialists, industry leaders, and policymakers. He emphasized the dual reality of India’s fertility ecosystem, noting, “The IVF industry today stands at a crossroads. On one hand, we see rapid growth in clinics, specialists, and innovation. On the other, the burden of infertility is rising—driven by lifestyle changes, pollution, and dietary habits. This summit is a call to address both realities with science, compassion, and collective action.”
The awards inaugural session was graced by the Chief Guest, Smt. Aditi Varda Sunil Tatkare, Hon’ble Minister for Women and Child Development, Government of Maharashtra. In her address, she spotlighted the state’s pioneering initiatives such as free IVF care in government hospitals and uterine transplant programmes. She added, “Today is not just about science—it’s about giving hope to families who dream of becoming parents. Let’s work together to make reproductive care available, affordable, and dignified for every family.”
This was followed by the Theme Address by Dr. Prof (Col) Pankaj Talwar, VSM, MD, PhD, President of the Indian Fertility Society, who highlighted the need for ethical practices, data-driven policies, and equitable access to reproductive care across the country. Reflecting on India’s fertility landscape, he noted, “Fertility services are still concentrated in a handful of cities, leaving Tier 3 and 4 regions underserved. At IFS, our focus is on empowering all gynecologists through training, AI tools, and sustainable practices—because real progress means accessible, ethical, and patient-focused care nationwide.”
Delivering the Special Guest Address, Dr. Daksha Shah, Executive Health Officer, Public Health Department, Municipal Corporation of Greater Mumbai, underlined the importance of public health institutions integrating fertility services into urban and rural health systems and followed by Mr. Sanjay Jha, Secretary, Voice of Healthcare, who spoke from the perspective of the medical technology sector. Acknowledging the complexity and sensitivity of IVF, he emphasized the vital balance between high-end innovation and human empathy. “Technology may guide the embryo,” he noted, “but it is your hands and your decisions that deliver outcomes. IVF isn’t just a high-tech field—it’s a high-trust, high-impact, and deeply human one.” He also reaffirmed Voice of Healthcare’s commitment to supporting fertility professionals with platforms, advocacy, and tech solutions tailored to their context.
As the event built momentum, Panel 1, titled “Women’s Health in Transition: Advancing Fertility, Hormonal Health & Holistic Well-Being”, brought together an eminent panel comprising Dr. Shweta Mittal Gupta, Dr. Ameet Patki, Dr. Anushree Patil, and Dr. Duru Shah. The discussion highlighted how fertility, PCOS, hormonal health, and wellness are shaping the next phase of reproductive care for Indian women. From innovations in IVF to age-inclusive treatment approaches and the importance of ethical, patient-centric ecosystems — the panel delved into the future of women’s health in a culturally evolving India.
Panel 2, “Laws of Life: ART, Access & Autonomy”, focused on the legal and ethical frameworks that govern assisted reproductive technologies in India. The session saw thought-provoking perspectives from Dr. K.D. Nayar, Dr. M. Gouri Devi, Neeraj Lal, and Divyanshu Priyam, with legal moderation by Manu Varghese. The panel explored recent regulatory shifts in ART and surrogacy, patient rights, and how equitable legal frameworks can broaden access to IVF in a just and ethical manner.
The post-tea session began with Panel 3, “The Fertility Divide: Breaking Economic Barriers”. Led by Dr. Rohan Palshetkar, Dr. Gunjan Gupta Govil, Dr. Mohan Raut, and Vikas Anand, with moderation by Dr. Navina Singh, the panel unpacked IVF affordability, insurance inclusion, the dynamics of fertility tourism, and sustainable economic models to make IVF more financially accessible to all segments of the population.
Panel 4, “Tomorrow’s Baby: Technology, Ethics & Identity, explored some of the most futuristic and ethically complex themes in reproductive medicine. With leading voices such as Dr. Rishma Dhillon Pai, Dr. Suvarna Khadilkar, Dr. Balasaheb Khadbade, and Dr. Ritu Hinduja, and moderated by Dr. Kuldeep Jain, the discussion touched upon solo IVF and single parenthood, CRISPR, designer embryos, egg/sperm banking, identity ethics, and stem cell innovations — highlighting the fine balance between clinical progress and moral responsibility.
A deeply human perspective was offered in Panel 5, “The Unspoken Journey: Male Fertility & Emotional Wellbeing”. This session explored the under-discussed emotional dimensions of IVF from the male lens. Dr. Poonam Nayar, Dr. Vasundara Jagannathan, Dr. Sutapan Samanta, and Vakil Jagveer Singh, with moderation by Dr. Kaustubh Kulkarni, examined male infertility diagnostics, mental health in fertility journeys, and the need to broaden public awareness around male reproductive health.
Bringing an economic and strategic lens to the fore, Panel 6, “Fertility Inc.: India’s Next Healthcare Unicorn?”, offered insight into India’s growing IVF market and its future as a global fertility hub. Dr. Richa Jagtap, Dr. Kshitiz Murdia, Sukesh Chandra Gain, and Bishwanath Ganguly, in conversation with moderator Madhur Singhal, discussed funding trends, public-private partnerships, and the potential for Indian fertility ventures to scale globally.
Adding inspiration to the day’s agenda, the Pioneering Paths session honored the achievements of Dr. Indira Hinduja, a trailblazer in Indian IVF history. Hosted by Dr. Shweta Mittal Gupta, this segment celebrated the extraordinary contributions of women in reproductive medicine.
The day concluded with the IVF Excellence Awards, a grand celebration of innovation, leadership, and patient-centered achievements in fertility and reproductive care. The awards honored distinguished individuals and organizations who have made pathbreaking contributions to advancing India’s IVF ecosystem.
The 2nd IVF Summit & Awards 2025 was not just a conference — it was a landmark national platform that championed collaboration, challenged norms, and envisioned a future where fertility care in India is ethical, equitable, and exceptional.