ST IVES CRASHES IVF COST

Respite last week, came the way of Nigerian couples seeking high standard fertility treatment as St Ives Hospital is offering 50 per cent discounts for a cycle of its Invitro-Fertilisation (IVF) to childless couples who ordinarily wanted the IVF option but canuld not afford to pay for the service.
Research has shown that one out of every four couples or 25 percent of couples are fertility_challenged and would require one sort of intervention or the other. Hence, the appreciable demand of Assisted Reproductive Treatment, ART, solutions, such as IVF.
The issue of cost has remained a problem to fertility-challenged couples. At least, a regular IVF cycle in any standard fertility treatment facility costs an average of N800, 000 depending on the centre.
Announcing the price slash in Lagos, the Chief Medical Director of St Ives Hospital, Dr. Tunde Okewale said "Normally, a cycle of IVF treatment costs minimum of N800, 000, but it has been reduced to N400, 000 including the cost of injection, drugs and treatment"
Okewale who decried the rising cases of infertility among Nigerians said the reduction which is being coordinated through its Foundation was part of activities to celebrate the hospital's 15th anniversary.
Explaining the rationale behind the initiative, he said it was aimed at alleviating challenges of couples in achieving pregnancy as well as raising the bar in infertility treatment.
We decided to slash the cost of treatment in commemoration of the 15thth anniversary of the hospital, specially to appreciate the numerous patients, who believed in the hospital to deliver unequalled medical service over the past 15 years.
This is our own little way of assisting couples who have been waiting and expecting to have their own children. It presents a rare opportunity for couples who have been married for years to come to our hospital and receive world class IVF treatment that will bring joy and laughter to their lives forever, instead of wallowing in pain and being miserable" he said.
Stating that IVF, is one of the landmark achievements in medical practice, he said the special offer would run through the month of October, but for couples to enjoy this discounted rate, they must register for the treatment at its ultra-modern hospital located on Salvation road, Opebi, Ikeja.between September 14 and 28, 2011 after which the former rate would apply.
It is on record that St Ives hospital delivered the oldest IVF mother in Nigeria. 57 year old Mrs. Adeyemi Taiwo last year. through the IVF unit of the hospital.