April 18, 1995 – The founding date of Kazakhstan’s first laboratory for infertility treatment using in vitro fertilization, known as «Ecomed.» Simultaneously, a dedicated team of professionals at the laboratory achieved a significant scientific milestone for the country by performing the first successful embryo transfer, leading to the joyous realization of a long-awaited pregnancy for the hopeful mother. Finally, on July 31, 1996, Kazakhstan celebrated the birth of its first in-vitro baby, whose conception was overseen by Saltanat Baykoshkarova, a PhD, and the founder and scientific director of the ECOMED clinic group.
(In the photo: Saltanat Baykoshkarova at the First IVF laboratory in Kazakhstan – «Ecomed,» April 1995)
Today marks the 25th anniversary of the inception of the IVF method in Kazakhstan, which, over the years, has brought joy to an entire community of miracle children!
This commemorative year holds a special significance for the staff and patients of the ECOMED clinic network. Earlier this year, the clinic group’s leadership made a decision to forgo extravagant celebrations and unnecessary events in favor of redirecting resources towards charitable initiatives, aimed at assisting patients and supporting children and individuals with disabilities who are in need.
In 2020, the head of state declared it the «Year of the Volunteer.» Inspired by this profound commitment to social well-being, Ecomed has made plans to extend charitable support to couples struggling with infertility. The advanced IVF procedure often entails substantial costs, which can be a pivotal factor for many families considering treatment. In light of this, the ECOMED clinic group has introduced several programs to provide financial assistance on a preferential basis for clinic services. Throughout the year, the network has organized free field consultations in regions lacking qualified specialists in infertility treatment and initiated programs offering benefits to patients undergoing multiple stages of treatment at the clinics.
«»This year, we have designated as the ‘Year of Charity’ in our clinics. In the midst of a global pandemic that has touched our country and the entire world, it is a time for unity rather than celebrations. It’s a time for all of us to lend a helping hand to the best of our abilities. We sincerely hope that the situation will stabilize, and we can soon return to our normal lives and activities without fearing for the health of our loved ones.
Our heartfelt wishes go out to all for robust health, happiness, and well-being for your families. May the day come soon when we can once again wholeheartedly contribute to making the dreams of aspiring parents a reality!» – conveyed the staff of «Ecomed» clinic.
By the way, infertility is a pressing issue in Kazakhstan, with approximately 20 thousand couples grappling with infertility each year. Among them, around 10 thousand require assisted reproductive technologies, specifically in vitro fertilization (IVF), which is employed when achieving pregnancy through other methods is no longer feasible.
Overall, the prevalence of infertility in marriages in Kazakhstan stands at 15 percent. The World Health Organization (WHO) recognizes this level as a matter of concern for the state, as it has an impact on demographic indicators within the population.
