Human Egg-Selling Racket: Thane's Illegal IVF Centre Extracted Excess Eggs From Poor Women and Sold for Lakhs of Rupees

In a major crackdown on illegal medical practices, the Maharashtra Police have uncovered an unauthorised in vitro fertilisation (IVF) facility in Badlapur, part of the Thane district. The action followed an investigation into an illicit human egg-selling racket, raising serious concerns about the exploitation of vulnerable women.

The issue gained urgency after Thane Mayor Sharmila Pimpalolkar chaired a high-level review meeting on March 17. Senior officials, including Chief Medical Health Officer Dr. Prasad Patil and Shiv Sena group leader Pawan Kadam, were present to assess the situation and outline further action.

During the meeting, authorities highlighted alarming findings indicating that economically disadvantaged women were being coerced into undergoing repeated hormonal treatments to produce excess eggs. These eggs were allegedly extracted and sold for substantial amounts to couples seeking fertility treatments.

Describing the situation as deeply troubling, the mayor emphasised that such practices pose a significant threat to both public health and ethical medical standards. She ordered immediate inspections of all IVF clinics and sonography centres operating within the Thane Municipal Corporation (TMC) limits.

In addition, a special enforcement drive has been launched to identify and shut down illegal sonography facilities. Officials have been instructed to ensure strict adherence to medical regulations and safety protocols across all centres.

To maintain accountability, the administration has been directed to closely monitor the ongoing investigation and submit weekly progress reports. The mayor also stressed that enforcement actions by the health department must continue without interruption.

The crackdown began earlier this month, on March 6, when the TMC health department raided an unlicensed IVF unit operating within a well-known hospital in Badlapur. Following the raid, the facility’s approval was revoked, and three sonography machines were sealed.

Authorities have confirmed that further investigations are ongoing, with officials examining all aspects of the racket to identify those responsible and prevent similar incidents in the future.

The case has sparked widespread concern about patient safety and regulatory oversight, prompting calls for stricter monitoring of fertility clinics and related medical services across the region.