Neha Homagain: Offering accessible fertility treatments in Nepal

Indira IVF, recognized as India’s leading and reliable chain of IVF hospitals, manages a network of more than 120 specialized clinics across India. They have recently inaugurated their first international branch in Kathmandu, featuring advanced technology and skilled medical professionals. They aim to provide world-class facilities so that people in Nepal don’t have to travel abroad for fertility services. This initiative not only helps fulfill Nepalis’ parenthood aspirations but also aims to create opportunities and enhance skill development in Nepal.

Dr. Neha Homagain, 38, is a gynecologist, infertility expert and laparoscopic surgeon. She is currently the Center Head and Chief Fertility Specialist at Indira IVF based in Nepal. She is also among the few fertility experts recognized by the Nepal Medical Council. She trained at the Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center in New York in the US, specializing in gynae oncology. Babita Shrestha from ApEx spoke to Homagain about her experience and roles at Indira IVF.

 How has global exposure enhanced your expertise in reproductive healthcare?

The training I had in gynae oncology at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center in New York was impactful. I was not only impressed by all the facilities but also realized the significant gap between oncology and fertility. It was an eye-opener to witness patient management, care standards, and the international level of healthcare provided there. Moreover, I saw the potential for medical tourism. Memorial Sloan Kettering is known for its advanced and top-notch medical facilities and I consider myself fortunate to have had that experience.

 What distinguishes Indira IVF’s approach and success?

At Indira IVF, we have world-class facilities that set the bar high. The reason for our extensive reach, with over 120 centers in India, is the top-notch approach and impressive success rate which stands at 75-80 percent. It’s because of their precision in everything from history-taking to ultrasonography and their cutting-edge labs. This IVF facility boasts the world’s best technology, like a ‘closed working chamber’ for egg fertilization. The eggs are fertilized in a closed chamber that replicates the human body conditions like temperature, carbon dioxide, pH, and oxygen, resulting in higher embryo and pregnancy quality. It’s remarkable.

 Also to prevent mix-up in egg and sperm handling, Indira IVF has combined technology and science by introducing the Risk Identification (RI) system. This system triggers an alarm if it detects any mismatched samples. This ensures that errors are practically non-existent. Another interesting aspect is the use of Artificial Intelligence. Our eyes can miss tiny details but, with AI, specialists at Indira IVF can pinpoint the best embryos and grade them, ensuring the best possible outcomes.

 What latest scientific breakthroughs and advancements in Assisted Reproductive Technology are in use at the Indira IVF?

Indira IVF is ahead in IVF technology. They’ve got the best services, experienced embryologists, and a big research team constantly rolling out the latest technology like the Closed Working Chamber, Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection  (ICSI), and Day Five embryo blast transfer. Speaking of embryos, there are two types, Day Three and Day Five and Indira IVF goes for Day Five due to its high success rate. They even use Laser Assisted Hatching, making tiny drills in the outer cells so that when the embryo is implanted, it can easily break out and attach to the uterus. Indira IVF is all about quality injections and has a 24/7 monitoring system.

 At Indira IVF, to address issues like a low egg count, egg problems, irregular ovulation, or instances where natural pregnancy is unlikely, we employ ICSI, a more advanced version of IVF. While IVF involves placing one egg amidst many sperm for self-fertilization, ICSI takes it up by injecting a single sperm directly into one egg. This technique is particularly beneficial in cases of male infertility with a low sperm count, enabling men to have their genetic offspring.

 In what ways does Indira IVF contribute to facilitating skill development in Nepal?

Through Indira Fertility Academic, a well-known fertility training center, over 400 embryologists have received training in India. For Nepal, this means that doctors or neurologists can undergo training at Indira IVF and return to contribute their expertise, bridging the manpower gap in the field in their country. 

How does Indira IVF make services accessible to a wide range of people?

Our price list is set to be inclusive, welcoming everyone from different economic backgrounds whether low-income or middle-class. Our services are not just affordable but also rooted in research, making them accessible to a wide range of people. And for those with lower incomes who might struggle with the costs, we offer discounts on various facilities.

What can be done if a couple has issues in conceiving?

If a couple, despite having unprotected sex, faces difficulty in conceiving, it’s important to acknowledge it as a potential infertility issue. The crucial first step is to consult a doctor because fertility issues can be complex and affect both partners. Seeking early medical advice can allow for simpler treatments, addressing hormonal imbalances or egg-related problems but delaying consultation might result in missed opportunities. 

In today’s context, modern technology provides empowerment, offering options like egg freezing. Since biological clocks and career plans aren’t always in sync, as a specialist, I recommend you freeze those eggs and sperm. When the time is right and you are with your partner of choice, you’re good to go for making healthy babies. Quality tends to drop with age, so it’s about being a step ahead.