MARC Celebrates 35 Years of Empowering Dreams: Over 11,000 Babies Born through Assisted Reproduction

Press Release, Feb 20, 2024, 5:07 PM IST

Manipal: In a grand celebration at the Dr TMA Pai Auditorium, Kasturba Medical College, Manipal, the Manipal Assisted Reproduction Centre (MARC) marked its 35th anniversary with a joyous event on February 18, 2024. Mrs. Vasanthi R Pai, the first lady of Manipal, was the chief guest of the program and participated in the cake-cutting ceremony to celebrate the 25th birthday of the first In Vitro Fertilization (IVF) child born through MARC.

MARC, a pioneer in infertility treatments, proudly announced the birth of 11,000 babies, a testament to its dedicated services for infertile couples. The event, known as “MARC DAY,” featured a variety of games for children, delighting both children and parents alike. Many children who owe their existence to MARC procedures attended the celebration, including the oldest IVF child at 25 years old.

Dr. Padmaraj Hegde, the Dean of Kasturba Medical College, Manipal, graced the occasion as the Guest of Honour. He highlighted MARC’s state-of-the-art facilities, including a fully equipped andrology laboratory for male subfertility evaluation, semen banking for short and long-term storage, and advanced embryology laboratories in line with international standards. The centre also specializes in laparoscopic and hysteroscopic surgeries for fertility enhancement.

Dr. Pratap Kumar, Professor and Head of the Department of Reproductive Medicine and Surgery, gave an overview of MARC’s journey since its inception in 1990. He recounted the center’s evolution from simple procedures to introducing the IVF procedure in 1998. The IVF procedure, involving fertilization outside the body and subsequent implantation, saw its first success with the birth of the inaugural IVF baby on February 18, 1999.

Dr. Pratap emphasized that MARC offers a comprehensive range of treatment programs for subfertile couples, supported by experienced doctors and scientists trained abroad in addressing subfertility issues. The center’s commitment to pioneering technological advancements has positioned MARC as one of India’s most advanced infertility treatment centers.

Dr. Krishnananda Prabhu, Associate Dean of KMC Manipal, and Dr. Satish Adiga, Professor & Head of the Division of Clinical Embryology were present. The event drew over 200 children and their parents, creating a heartwarming atmosphere of gratitude and celebration for the transformative impact of MARC over the past 35 years