Guyana’s first in vitro fertilisation (IVF) baby was successful delivered at the Dr Balwant Singh Hospital Inc and both the baby and mother are doing well and were discharged on September 18.
According to Obstetrician/gynaecologist Dr Madhu Singh, the programme is a highly complex procedure and needs a dedicated lab and theatre that cost about US$400,000 to build. She also noted that before the programme was introduced in Guyana patients who needed the service had to travel to Barbados and Trinidad, which entailed multiple visits, travelling and hotel expenses.
Dr Singh said the programme has processed 56 patients so far. The cost to the patient per cycle of treatments is equivalent to US$8,000 due to the high cost of medications.
IVF is a treatment for couples who have tried simpler ways to conceive but failed and it is the only option for patients with low sperm counts, blocked fallopian tubes or prolonged unexplained infertility.
The success rate with IVF worldwide is in the vicinity of 30-40% depending on the risk factors.
