Kathmandu Clinics Under Scrutiny
On 15 July, Nepal’s Central Investigation Bureau (CIB) launched a criminal investigation into two fertility centers in Kathmandu—Hope Fertility and Diagnostic Pvt. Ltd. in Babarmahal and Angel Fertility Clinic in Maharajgunj—after reports emerged that they had extracted eggs from underage girls for sale to infertile couples.
Authorities allege that the clinics harvested eggs from girls younger than 18, subjecting them to hormone treatments and sedation before retrieval. The clinics reportedly lured the girls with small cash incentives, while charging clients up to Rs 2 million (SGD $22,300) per procedure.
Five Questioned, Released on Bail
CIB initially detained five individuals linked to Hope Fertility: Dr. Asim Adhikari, Dr. Swasti Sharma, Dr. Malina Chaudhary, and two agents, Justina Pradhan and Alisha Oli.
Authorities later released them on court-ordered bail and they are now under mandatory attendance for investigation. They are also investigating a sixth person connected to Angel Fertility.Officials say the clinics ran a covert recruitment operation, targeting menstruating teenagers and offering Rs 10,000–15,000 to undergo the procedures. Agents allegedly received Rs 40,000 per case.
One agent, 20-year-old Justina Pradhan, reportedly arranged accommodation for the girls during the 10-day hormone regimen, culminating in egg extraction on the 13th day—without informed consent or proper medical supervision.
Parents Alerted Authorities After Health Issues
The probe began after several parents filed complaints, concerned by their daughters’ sudden weight loss and changes in appetite following the procedures. Two formal cases have been registered so far.
CIB’s early findings suggest serious violations of child protection laws, reproductive health regulations, and the National Health Professional Council’s standards. The girls, many from economically vulnerable backgrounds, may have been misled about the medical risks involved.
Wider Implications for IVF Oversight
Both clinics presented themselves as legitimate fertility providers, offering services such as in-vitro fertilization (IVF) for childless couples. However, the evidence now points to a possible black-market egg trade exploiting teenage girls for profit.
Authorities are currently collecting medical records, financial documents, and clinic logs to build a broader case. Investigators are examining whether the clinics had oversight or exploited gaps in reproductive health enforcement.
Ongoing Investigation
As the investigation continues, law enforcement has signaled that more arrests may follow if further breaches are uncovered. Officials say the case highlights the need for tighter controls on fertility services and stricter penalties for violations involving minors.
The CIB has vowed to pursue charges under child exploitation and trafficking laws, as well as explore possible medical license suspensions for those found complicit.
Watch the video here:
@nepal.360 A shocking incident in Kathmandu has revealed that eggs were illegally taken from teenage girls, pretending to help childless couples. #kathmandu #news #nepal
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