Maharashtra Health Minister Promises Strict Action After Egg-Donation Racket Busted in Thane

The Maharashtra Health Minister has assured strict action after police uncovered an alleged egg-donation racket operating in Thane, where women were reportedly lured with monetary incentives and subjected to repeated medical procedures.

According to police officials, the racket involved offering women between ₹25,000 and ₹30,000 per cycle to donate their eggs. Investigators revealed that several victims were allegedly made to undergo multiple donation cycles without adequate medical safeguards, leading to physical exploitation and potential health risks.

The operation was exposed following a complaint and subsequent inquiry by law enforcement authorities. A raid was conducted at a fertility centre in Thane, and documents, medical records, and electronic devices were seized as part of the investigation. Police are probing whether the procedures violated guidelines governing assisted reproductive technology (ART) and egg donation.

Reacting to the incident, the State Health Minister said the government would not tolerate any violation of medical ethics or exploitation of women under the guise of fertility treatment. He directed the health department to conduct a thorough inquiry and verify whether proper permissions and protocols were followed by the clinic involved.

Officials stated that under existing ART regulations, strict norms govern egg donation, including limits on the number of times a woman can donate and mandatory health screening. Any breach of these norms could attract severe penalties, including cancellation of licences and criminal charges.

Medical experts have expressed concern over the health implications of repeated egg retrieval procedures, which can cause hormonal imbalance, ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS), and long-term complications if not monitored properly.

Police said further arrests are likely as the investigation progresses. Authorities are also attempting to identify more victims and verify whether the racket had links to a wider network.

The incident has sparked debate over the need for stronger oversight of fertility clinics and better awareness among women about the medical and legal aspects of egg donation.