Siliguri, July 11 (Siliguri Chronicle) – The state health department will soon open an infertility clinic at Siliguri District Hospital (SDH), marking a significant step in improving public healthcare in north Bengal.
The new facility, set to operate from the hospital’s maternity wing, will be the first government-run infertility clinic in the region. It aims to support the rising number of couples turning to medical treatment to help them conceive.
Doctors at SDH report witnessing a sharp increase in such cases. “We are seeing more and more couples coming in with infertility-related issues,” said Chandan Ghosh, superintendent of SDH. “A survey is underway to track and understand the nature of these cases,” he added.
Until now, couples in the region had few options in the government sector and often had to rely on costly private clinics for infertility treatment. The upcoming clinic at SDH will provide structured diagnosis, counselling, and basic treatment, including essential tests and regular follow-ups — all within the public healthcare system.
The clinic, expected to become operational soon, will offer consultations on all weekdays to ensure consistent appointments and ongoing care. According to medical experts, nearly 80 per cent of infertility cases can be treated through medication, counselling, and minor procedures—without the need for advanced techniques like in-vitro fertilisation (IVF).
“This will be a significant relief, especially for families from economically weaker sections who cannot afford private infertility treatments that often cost several lakhs,” a hospital official said.
Tulsi Pramanik, Chief Medical Officer of Health (CMOH) for Darjeeling district, said discussions are underway to assess the feasibility of introducing IVF services in government hospitals. “However, it’s important to note that not all cases require IVF. Many couples can conceive with proper guidance, treatment, and lifestyle adjustments,” he added.
Doctors say the clinic will also help dispel common myths surrounding infertility by offering scientifically backed, accessible, and affordable treatment options.
Health officials and medical experts have welcomed the initiative, calling it a progressive step toward inclusive reproductive healthcare—especially for rural and underserved communities across north Bengal.
