Assam Health Minister Ashok Singhal on Friday formally certified five hospitals across the state to establish surrogacy clinics, marking a significant milestone in bringing reproductive services under comprehensive government regulation and oversight.
The certificates for establishing Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART) clinics, ART banks, and surrogacy clinics were awarded to Apollo Fertility, Down Town Hospital, GMCH Fertility and IVF Centre, and The Institute of Human Reproduction—all located in Guwahati—along with Swasti Hospital in Rangia.
“The Assam government is dedicated to creating a transparent and accountable system that guarantees access to advanced reproductive services for couples in need,” Minister Singhal stated during the certification ceremony. He emphasized that this initiative reflects the government’s commitment to ensuring safe, ethical, and high-quality reproductive care throughout the state.
May the science of surrogacy bless every childless couple in Assam with the joy of parenthood. 1/2 pic.twitter.com/qf0NLDIlGe
— Ashok Singhal (@TheAshokSinghal) May 23, 2025
The certification process follows the implementation of two crucial pieces of national legislation: the Assisted Reproductive Technology (Regulation) Act, 2021, and the Surrogacy (Regulation) Act, 2021, both enacted by the Union government along with their corresponding rules notified in 2022.
In alignment with these national regulations, the Assam government established the State Assisted Reproductive Technology and Surrogacy Board and the Appropriate Authority for ART and Surrogacy in December 2023, creating the institutional framework necessary for effective oversight and regulation.
To streamline the application process for institutions seeking to establish ART and surrogacy services, the Appropriate Authority launched a comprehensive state-wide drive through newspaper advertisements on January 30, 2025. This proactive approach aimed to inform potential service providers about the certification requirements and procedures.
The certification process involves rigorous verification and inspection procedures. Once applications are submitted and verified, institutions undergo thorough inspections by the Appropriate Authority before receiving their official certification, ensuring compliance with all safety and quality standards.
This development builds upon earlier progress in regulated surrogacy services in Assam. Earlier this year, the state achieved another milestone when the first certificate was issued to an intending couple and surrogate mother after comprehensive evaluation by the District Medical Board in Dibrugarh, officially marking the beginning of regulated surrogacy services in the state.
The establishment of certified surrogacy clinics addresses a significant healthcare need in the region, where couples previously had limited access to regulated reproductive services. Many had to travel to other states or rely on unregulated services, often facing safety and legal uncertainties.
