By Ekta Purohit
New Delhi : October 3, 2026
Vardhman Mahavir Medical College (VMMC) and Safdarjung Hospital has achieved a significant milestone in reproductive healthcare with the birth of its 100th baby conceived through In-Vitro Fertilisation (IVF). The Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology celebrated the achievement on October 3, marking an important step in the hospital’s efforts to provide specialised assisted reproductive services and support couples aspiring to become parents.
The occasion held special significance as October 3 is also the birth anniversary of Kanupriya Agarwal, popularly known as “Durga,” recognised as India’s first IVF baby. Born in Kolkata on October 3, 1978, she was conceived through IVF treatment pioneered by Dr. Subhas Mukhopadhyay, whose contribution remains an important chapter in the history of reproductive medicine in India.
IVF Centre Offers Comprehensive Fertility Services
Continuing the legacy of assisted reproductive medicine, the IVF Centre at VMMC and Safdarjung Hospital provides a range of fertility treatments, including Intrauterine Insemination (IUI), In-Vitro Fertilisation (IVF) and Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection (ICSI).
These specialised services offer support to couples experiencing difficulties in conceiving and reflect the importance of accessible, comprehensive and patient-centred reproductive healthcare.
The celebration was organised under the leadership of Dr. Kavita Sharma, Director, VMMC and Safdarjung Hospital, with the support of Dr. Charu Bamba, Medical Superintendent. It was the first event of its kind at the hospital to commemorate a milestone in its IVF programme.
Hospital Leadership Appreciates IVF Team
Speaking on the occasion, Dr. Kavita Sharma expressed happiness at seeing families return to the hospital with their children born through IVF. She thanked the families for placing their trust in the hospital and its fertility services and appreciated the dedicated IVF team for its continued commitment to patient care.
Dr. Charu Bamba congratulated the families and extended her best wishes to them. She also commended the IVF team for achieving the milestone and continuing to provide specialised assisted reproductive care.
The contribution of Dr. Jyotsna Suri, Head of the Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, was acknowledged for her role in supporting the continued functioning of the IVF programme. Dr. Saritha Shamsunder, Acting Head of the Department, welcomed the guests and guided the proceedings.
Dedicated Team Behind the Achievement
The programme was led and coordinated by Dr. Bindu Bajaj, In-charge of the IVF Centre and former Head of the Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology. Closely associated with the functioning and development of the centre, Dr. Bajaj played a key role in planning and coordinating the celebration of the 100th successful IVF birth.
Distinguished guests Dr. Pankaj Talwar, Dr. Sudha Prasad and Dr. Banashree Das attended the programme.
The IVF team, comprising Dr. Garima, Dr. Divya and Dr. Reeta, along with Sister Letha and her team, contributed to the successful conduct of the event. The milestone also reflects the collective efforts of doctors, nurses, embryologists, technicians and other healthcare professionals involved in delivering fertility services.
Families and Children Make the Celebration Special
The presence of families with their children born through IVF was the highlight of the celebration. Seeing the children who had once been part of the IVF treatment journey brought joy to the healthcare professionals and made the occasion particularly meaningful.
Their participation highlighted the journey of hope, trust, perseverance and medical support associated with assisted reproductive treatment.
The birth of the 100th IVF baby marks an important achievement for VMMC and Safdarjung Hospital. It underscores the institution’s continued commitment to strengthening specialised fertility services and providing comprehensive, accessible and patient-centred reproductive healthcare to couples seeking the joy of parenthood.
