The Maldives has recorded its first successful birth through in-vitro fertilisation (IVF) at the National Fertility Centre located at Dharumavantha Hospital, IGMH has announced.
According to Indira Gandhi Memorial Hospital (IGMH), both the mother and the newborn are in good health. The hospital described the birth as a historic milestone and a major advancement in the provision of domestic fertility and reproductive healthcare services in the country.
Chief Executive Officer of Dharumavantha Hospital, Abdul Razzaq Haleem, said the achievement marks a significant breakthrough for families seeking fertility treatment within the Maldives. He commended the National Fertility Centre team and supporting hospital departments for their dedication and successful delivery of the service.
Haleem noted that until now, many Maldivian couples were forced to travel overseas for IVF treatment, creating significant financial and emotional strain. He welcomed the availability of IVF services locally and expressed gratitude to President Dr Mohamed Muizzu for launching the service and making it accessible free of charge under the national health insurance scheme, Aasandha.
The National Fertility Centre was officially inaugurated on 15 November 2024, in line with President Muizzu’s pledge to establish domestic fertility treatment services. In addition to IVF and infertility care, an endometriosis and pelvic clinic has also been established at IGMH.
In his 2025 Presidential Address, President Muizzu highlighted the centre as a sustainable solution to long-standing infertility challenges. By the end of last year, 144 individuals had accessed fertility care services at the centre. To ensure long-term sustainability, MVR 15 million has been allocated in the state budget, along with the establishment of a dedicated fertility care fund.
