Fertility Support Community Open Applications IVF Fund

The Fertility Support Community (FSC) opened applications for its IVF Treatment Fund last week.

The deadline to apply to receive IVF treatment in India is open until October 31, 2025.

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The NGO, which advocates for fertility awareness in the Maldives, launched the IVF Fund in 2023 to provide financial support for couples seeking assisted reproductive treatment abroad. More than three couples have so far accessed treatment in India under the initiative.

According to FSC, couples applying for the grant must meet several eligibility criteria. They must be married for at least two years, and either the applicant must be a Maldivian national or married to one. Applicants must be aged 25 or above, though younger couples may be considered in urgent cases such as cancer. The female partner must be under 42 years of age, and the male partner under 49. Both partners must also maintain a healthy Body Mass Index (BMI) between 19 and 30.

FSC said the fund does not cover preliminary or post-treatment tests, nor does it include hotel stays during treatment. Interested applicants can apply through FSC’s official portal.

Alongside the opening of applications, FSC has resumed its advocacy programmes with events marking PCOS Awareness Month 2025. Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS), identified by FSC as the most common cause of infertility among its members, remains a condition of concern due to limited public awareness and data.

“PCOS is a lifelong condition that people should be more aware of. Early diagnosis amongst teenagers will help medical professionals guide families to the correct treatment based on symptoms, family planning needs, and age of the patient,” said the founder of FSC, Asha Hussain, highlighting the importance of early diagnosis.

This year’s PCOS Seminar, themed Understanding and Managing PCOS, will feature a panel discussion with health professionals, including endocrinologists, gynaecologists, infertility specialists, fitness trainers and dietitians. Participants will have the opportunity to engage in a Q&A session, with rewards offered to attendees through partner organisations.

FSC also announced that its second Fundraising Gala Dinner, A Night of Hope II, will be held on 29 November 2025 to mark World Fertility Day. Proceeds will go towards sustaining the IVF Fund.

According to the World Health Organisation, infertility affects around one in six people of reproductive age globally, with wide-ranging impacts on families and communities.

Last year, the Ministry of Social and Family Development selected 37 patients for the first round of IVF treatments funded under the Aasandha Insurance Scheme. Out of 153 applicants for state-sponsored IVF and IUI, 37 met eligibility criteria.