Set up public assisted fertility centres - Association

The Fertility Society of Ghana (FERSOG) has called on government to set up public Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART) or Fertility Centres across the country to make infertility treatment easily accessible and affordable. 

According to the society, the prevalence rate of infertility was high in Ghana and it constitutes a major health problem. 

Again, government must allow the National Health Insurance Scheme to cover basic infertility evaluation and treatment.

The President of FERSOG, Dr Rudolph K Adegeba said this at the 7th annual general and scientific conference of the association in Kumasi.

He said financial access to ART had always and still remains a major barrier to accessing the services as all centres operating in the country were privately owned and located in only four cities, Kumasi, Accra, Tema and Takoradi.

He explained that the World Health Organisation (WHO) has declared infertility as a disease and one of the leading causes of disability, which urgently needed stakeholders engagement to address the problem.

“We must work hard to increase awareness among the public on fertility related issues such as the decline in fertility with age, seeking treatment early in credible facilities and avoidance of harmful non-orthodox and orthodox treatment practices”, the President advised. 

He revealed the society has spearheaded a regulatory policy, which was almost completed and the enactment would streamline the operations of the Fertility Centres as well as an educational initiative to train fertility specialists. 

Dr Adegeba stated that safety remains a major concern in the ART services and assured the society would safeguard the practice, protecting the public as well as solving the infertility problem in the society.

The Minister of Health in a speech read on his behalf by the Deputy Minister of Health, Adelaide Ntim noted ART had brought hope and solution to families facing infertility challenges. 

She appealed to the society to ensure the technology was safe, trustworthy, accessible and effective for those who seek assistance.

The Member of Parliament for Nsuta-Kwamang-Beposo Constituency commended the leadership of the society for their tireless effort in spearheading the ART Regulatory policy, which would be beneficial to future of reproductive health in the country. 

The conference was also used to launch FERSOG newsletter with awards and citations presented to some members who had worked selflessly and efficiently towards the growth of FERSOG.