TAKING THE MIRACLE OF BIRTH FAR AND WIDE

Through my IVF and genetic diagnostics center, Dr. Gauri Agarwal is making accessible and affordable healthcare a reality for people in tier 2 and tier 3 cities. And this, is just the beginning.

MEET THE LEADER 

Dr. Gauri Agarwal (MD, DNB, MBBS) is the Founder of Seeds of Innocence (IVF Chain) and Genestrings Diagnostic Centre. She is an internationally recognized Infertility & IVF specialist trained in IVF & Embryology at some of the most prestigious institutes in Belgium & Singapore. 

With her vast experience and know-how, Dr. Gauri Agarwal is widely recognized amongst the leading infertility specialists in India. Dr. Gauri has been a visionary in the field of IVF and has hence been pioneer in implementing path breaking research & use of new technologies/ techniques like PRP and Genetic Screening (PGS/ PGD) to achieve success rates of up to 78% along with an assurance of Healthy Term Pregnancy and Genetically Healthy Baby. 

Dr Gauri is also a philanthropist and has been working tirelessly for the cause of women’s health, and has also adopted a village in the outskirts of Mathura, ensuring good quality primary healthcare for the residents. Dr. Agarwal is the recipient of several laurels such as : 

●    2022 Femina Fabulous 40 
●    2022 Business World 40 under 40 for Business Leadership in Healthcare
●    2022 Times 40 under 40 for Business Leadership in Healthcare
●    2022 Economic Times Hall of Fame IVF Specialist

GENESIS AND JOURNEY

We aim to mine untapped insights from her rich career journey in this brief session, and begin by requesting Dr. Agarwal to share a slice of her backstory with our readers. The idea leader readily obliges… 

“I was inspired to study medicine and launch an IVF and genetic diagnostics center after witnessing my sister's struggle with infertility. After completing my MBBS at Bharati Vidyapeeth University in Pune and my DNB in Coimbatore, I decided to pursue further training in embryology and reproductive medicine at the National University in Singapore and the University of Ghent in Belgium.

In 2015, I founded Seeds of Innocence, a bootstrapped IVF chain that started with one center in Delhi's Malviya Nagar and has now expanded to 18 centers across 8 states, including one international center in Muscat and two upcoming International Centres in Zambia and Nepal.

With over 15 years of experience and training from prestigious medical institutes in Belgium and Singapore, I have always sought to implement innovative solution and utilize new technologies and techniques like PRP and genetic screening (PGS/PGD) to achieve success rates of up to 78% and ensure healthy pregnancies and genetically healthy babies.

For me, patient care is at the heart of everything I do. My team and I work tirelessly to provide personalized care that addresses not just the medical needs of our patients but also their emotional and psychological well-being. I believe that every patient deserves access to high-quality, affordable fertility care, and I am committed to making this a reality for as many people as possible.” 

THE BIG IDEA 

What is the big idea that captures her essence and approach? Does she have a success mantra, as it  were? Dr Agarwal goes into reflect-mode…

“The one big idea that defines my approach to life and my success mantra is centered around the belief that every individual deserves access to affordable and quality healthcare, regardless of their socio-economic status or geographic location.

I am committed to making this a reality by focusing on providing healthcare services to the masses, particularly those in tier 2 & 3 cities. I believe that by increasing access to healthcare in these areas, we can make a significant impact on the health and well-being of individuals, families, and communities.

I strongly believe that everyone should have access to world-class medical treatment and technology, regardless of their background, ethnicity, or financial status. It is unfair for anyone to be devoid of medical advances that can significantly improve their quality of life and overall well-being.”

PROUD MOMENT 

“I am particularly proud of the fact that we were the first IVF with an in-house genetics lab. This has allowed us to offer the most advanced reproductive treatments to couples struggling with infertility. Our lab has played a crucial role in identifying genetic disorders in embryos, ensuring that only healthy embryos are transferred to the mother's womb. This has significantly improved the success rates of our IVF treatments, and we have helped countless couples realize their dream of parenthood.

The idea is to be committed to providing accessible and affordable healthcare to the masses, with a focus on prevention, education, and innovation. By working towards this goal, I hope to make a positive impact on the lives of individuals and communities, and contribute towards building a healthier and more equitable society.”

TURNING POINT

We’re naturally inquisitive: How and why did the idea become the driving force in her life. Was there any person or life-altering experience or turning-point that caused it or inspired it? 

“Growing up, I had always wanted to pursue a career in medicine. But it was my sister's struggles with infertility that truly inspired me to specialize in reproductive medicine and launch an IVF and one of the country’s first genetic diagnostics centers. 

Witnessing her go through the physical, emotional, and financial stress of traveling from Kanpur to Mumbai for every IVF attempt with no success was heartbreaking. I knew I had to do something to help not just my sister, but others like her who were struggling with infertility.

As I progressed in my career, I encountered a patient from a nearby village who had sold their land to afford IVF treatment. It was a stark reminder of the harsh reality that many people face in underserved areas when it comes to accessing quality healthcare. Unfortunately, the baby that was conceived had Down syndrome, causing immense mental trauma and financial burden to the family.

Observing the profound emotional distress and anguish experienced by individuals undergoing fertility treatment had a profound effect on me. It highlighted the crucial necessity of not only offering in vitro fertilization (IVF) services but also integrating high-end genetic diagnostic tests for embryos such as Preimplantation Genetic Screening (PGS) and Preimplantation genetic diagnosis (PGD) to eliminate genetical anomalies or inherited genetic diseases like Down Syndrome and other chromosomal disorders in foetus. As a result, we established one of the first in-house genetic testing laboratories in the country in 2015.  We also have a dedicated department of Fetal Medicine along with international hall mark medical technology like the premium E10 ultrasound equipment that helps solve complex cases with superior image clarity and color while presenting unique fetal heart tools and special probes.

The experience of seeing my sister's struggles and this patient's heartbreaking outcome have driven me to focus on accessible and affordable healthcare, especially in underserved areas. I believe that everyone deserves the right to quality medical care, regardless of their financial status or location. My goal has been to bring innovative solutions to the table that can help patients struggling with infertility and genetic disorders, so that they can experience the joy of parenthood without the burden of financial or mental stress.

THE PROBLEM AND THE SOLUTION 

What is the big goal or challenge she and her teams are trying to crack in the future?

“As a healthcare provider, my overarching goal is to ensure that every individual has access to high-quality medical care, regardless of their socioeconomic background or geographical location. Being an IVF specialist, I am particularly driven to address the issue of infertility and genetic disorders, which can cause immense emotional and financial strain for patients and their families.

Through my IVF and genetic diagnostics center, I strive to make accessible and affordable healthcare a reality for people in tier 2 and tier 3 cities. I believe that by providing top-quality IVF services and genetic testing solutions, I can positively impact the lives of many families.

As an IVF specialist, I am committed to bringing accessible and affordable healthcare to underserved areas, and expanding my center's reach is a vital step towards achieving this goal. By partnering with local healthcare providers, community organizations, and government healthcare agencies, we can increase access to top-quality medical care, including IVF and genetic testing services, to more people in need. I believe that promoting awareness and education about infertility and genetic disorders is crucial in addressing these issues.

PARTING SHOT: A WORD ABOUT VOH

We’re grateful for the opportunity of a rare glimpse into the workings of the mind of a true agent of change. As we take our leave, we request Dr Agarwal to spare a few words about the Voice of Healthcare initiative. Does she feel that tribute profiles such as Idea Leaders are important for adding direction, inspiration and positive energy to the healthcare community? The leader generously obliges…

“Undoubtedly, Voice of Healthcare (VOH) has played a pivotal role in promoting communication and collaboration within the healthcare industry. Through its Tribute profiles, such as Idea Leaders, healthcare professionals have been provided with a source of motivation and inspiration. These profiles offer valuable guidance on how to effect positive change in the field, serving as a beacon of positive energy for all those in the industry. Moreover, it has not only uplifted and encouraged healthcare professionals but also highlighted their achievements, ensuring their work reaches a wider audience.”

*This idea leader is published by VOH team.*