Nepal Stops Unauthorized IVF Consultation Camp by Indian Doctors

The Nepal Medical Council has taken decisive action to halt an unauthorized IVF consultation camp organized by two Indian doctors, Jaideep Malhotra and Narendra Malhotra, at the Hotel Yak and Yeti in Kathmandu. This intervention underscores the Council's commitment to regulating medical practices and ensuring that foreign medical professionals adhere to established procedures within Nepal.

According to Dr. Satis Kumar Deo, registrar of the Council, the Indian doctors and organizers failed to secure the necessary prior permission for the health camp. Furthermore, they had not registered their medical degrees with the Council nor obtained approval to provide services in the country. Dr. Deo stated, "To run any health camps or services in our country, foreign doctors must register their medical degrees with the council, and take approval for service. They had not fulfilled due procedure."

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To run any health camps or services in our country, foreign doctors must register their medical degrees with the council, and take approval for service. They had not fulfilled due procedure.

This crackdown occurs at a sensitive time for IVF services in Nepal. The Supreme Court had previously imposed a temporary ban on the extraction and storage of eggs following reports of exploitation. While the Ministry of Health and Population intended to establish guidelines for egg donation, this process was stalled, partly due to the destruction of relevant documents when the Supreme Court building was set ablaze during recent protests. This regulatory vacuum creates an environment where unauthorized practices could potentially flourish.

Council officials suspect ulterior motives behind the unauthorized camp, especially given the existing restrictions on IVF services in Nepal, particularly concerning donated eggs and sperm. The situation highlights a broader trend where hundreds of Nepali couples seek fertility treatments abroad, primarily in India, due to legal restrictions at home. The Council's vigilance in preventing such unauthorized camps is crucial for maintaining ethical standards and protecting vulnerable patients within Nepal, a concern that resonates strongly with the local population seeking legitimate and safe reproductive healthcare options.

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They told us that they did not know that approval is required to run consultation camps and apologised for the incident. They have also committed to send a written apology to the council.