IVF ecosystem must evolve from being procedure-driven to being evidence-driven

Dr Gautam Daftary, Founder, Chairman and Managing Director, Aksigen IVF in an interaction with Kalyani Sharma, discusses advancements in reproductive medicine, the role of emerging technologies, and the need for greater transparency, scientific rigor, and education in India's rapidly evolving fertility ecosystem

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You have been the driving force behind organisations such as Bharat Serums and Vaccines and Aksigen IVF. What key leadership principles have guided you in building and scaling successful healthcare enterprises across diverse segments? Which decisions or experiences have most influenced your approach to innovation and enterprise building?

My experience across Bharat Serums and now Aksigen IVF has reinforced a few fundamental principles about building healthcare institutions. First, innovation in healthcare must always begin with an unmet patient need rather than a market opportunity. At Bharat Serums, our focus on women's health and critical care biologics came from recognizing areas where patients had limited therapeutic options. Second, long-term scientific commitment is essential. Healthcare innovation requires sustained investment in research, manufacturing excellence, and clinical understanding. These are not short-term efforts.

Finally, building institutions requires creating a culture where science, ethics, and patient outcomes remain central to every decision. In healthcare, credibility and trust are built over decades. Those experiences shaped our approach at Aksigen IVF, where we are now focused on translating scientific insight and clinical experience into better patient care.

In healthcare, innovation must begin with an unmet patient need and end with measurable clinical impact.

The Bharat Daftary Knowledge Centre is described as India's first immersive fertility centre. What was the idea behind this initiative, and how will it impact education and awareness in reproductive health?

One of the consistent challenges in fertility care is that patients often begin treatment without a clear understanding of the biological processes involved. IVF can feel complex and intimidating, and that uncertainty can influence how patients experience and complete treatment.