Making Parenthood Possible for More: Dr. Saarthak Bakshi’s Vision to Democratise IVF Through RISAA IVF

In India, there is a significant percentage of couples that suffer from infertility, although it is a subject matter that most people are not willing to talk about. They often take many years to find the answer on their own, not knowing whom to approach and where to seek the help needed, all along struggling with the emotional burden alone.

The Journey of Growing Risaa IVF

Started in 2012, Risaa IVF is led by Dr. Rita Bakshi, Chairperson and Senior IVF Specialist, along with Dr. Saarthak Bakshi, Founder and CEO. In just over a decade, the organisation has grown into a network of 14 centres across India, Nepal, and Bangladesh. For Dr. Saarthak Bakshi, this growth has always been guided by one central idea, that fertility treatment should not remain something only a privileged few can access.

A Goal That Stays Honest: One Child Per Couple

At the core of Risaa IVF's work is a goal described simply as "one child per couple." This phrasing matters because of what it does not promise. Rather than making big claims about guaranteed outcomes, Risaa IVF commits to something realistic, giving each couple who comes to them a genuine chance at becoming parents at least once. This makes the goal reasonable, it respects the actual limits of fertility treatment while still giving couples something concrete to hold on to, instead of vague assurances that raise false hope.

Not Every Couple Needs IVF

A key part of Dr. Rita Bakshi & Dr. Saarthak Bakshi's vision is making sure IVF is recommended only when it is actually needed, not as a default first step. At Risaa IVF, all couples undergo an intensive evaluation prior to developing a treatment plan. In case the results prove that it is still possible to conceive without recommending IVF, the doctors will advise the couple to try and conceive naturally and provide any additional help that may be required rather than forcing them to undergo an IVF procedure. The philosophy here is simple & treatment should be done based on need and not on profit.

Making IVF Financially Reachable

The cost barrier is a significant problem that stands in the way of fertility treatment for couples, especially those belonging to the lower and middle-income class in India. To ease this burden, Risaa IVF offers:

• EMI-based payment schemes which allow patients to make payments in installments rather than paying in lump sum amounts
• Discounted treatment services provided to couples who belong to poor socio-economic status
• Transparent pricing without any hidden costs, allowing families to budget accordingly before seeking treatment

This single change in itself makes a significant impact on the availability of IVF treatment as a choice by making it a service available to a larger portion of society.

What This Means for Indian Society

The combination of an ethical treatment aim, thorough diagnosis to ensure the suitability of IVF treatment for a couple, and affordable payment methods demonstrates the practical meaning of the concept of democratisation of healthcare. Not only does it reduce costs but also ensures the development of a fair treatment process where honesty and trust are key factors.

Final Words

As Risaa IVF continues to grow across India, Nepal, and Bangladesh, its model offers a useful example for the wider fertility care industry, one where success is measured not by how many procedures are performed, but by how many families are helped to grow, honestly and affordably.