In the 87th episode of Jam with Sam, host Sampath Iyengar dives into the inspiring journey of Dr. Anagha Karkhanis, the co-founder of Cocoon Fertility. With an impressive career in reproductive medicine and a commitment to bridging Western and Indian fertility practices, Dr. Karkhanis sheds light on the science behind fertility, her entrepreneurial drive, and the evolving landscape of IVF and surrogacy in India.
An Unconventional Journey to Medicine
Dr. Karkhanis originally aspired to be an engineer, driven by her love for mathematics. However, her exposure to hospitals, given her family’s medical background, eventually led her to pursue MBBS at KJ Somaiya Medical College. With postgraduate studies in obstetrics and gynaecology in Ireland and specialized fellowships in reproductive medicine across the UK, Germany, and India, she built a robust foundation for her career. This blend of global expertise laid the groundwork for her future endeavours in fertility care.
The Birth of Cocoon Fertility
Launched in 2013, Cocoon Fertility was a passion project born from Dr. Karkhanis and her sister’s shared dream of revolutionizing fertility care in India. Inspired by the structured, standardized protocols they encountered abroad, the sisters established centres in Mumbai, Pune, and beyond. The focus was on replicating state-of-the-art setups, ensuring consistent and effective fertility treatments. Today, Cocoon Fertility operates across multiple cities with plans to expand to 50 centres in the next two years, including franchises in Nagpur, Patna, and Nashik.
Decoding IVF: Science and Technology
Dr. Karkhanis offers a simple explanation of IVF: fertilizing an egg and sperm outside the body and transferring the embryo to the womb. She highlighted advanced techniques like:
- ICSI (Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection): Direct injection of sperm into the egg.
- PGT (Preimplantation Genetic Testing): Screening embryos for genetic abnormalities to improve success rates.
- Egg and Embryo Freezing: A game-changer for women delaying pregnancy due to personal or professional reasons.
Dr. Karkhanis notes that these advancements provide a beacon of hope for couples facing infertility, which affects 10-15% of Indian couples today.
Navigating Changing Laws in Fertility Treatments
The regulatory environment around surrogacy and IVF in India is evolving. Dr. Karkhanis emphasizes the need for balance, citing cases where rigid rules hinder treatment for women born without wombs. While regulation ensures accountability, she advocates for policies accommodating diverse scenarios, such as single individuals and same-sex couples seeking parenthood.
Dr. Karkhanis: Beyond Medicine
A multi-talented individual, Dr. Karkhanis finds solace in music and painting. She is learning Hindustani classical music and creates stunning oil portraits and landscapes. Her personal life revolves around her husband, Dr. Amit Karkhanis, who manages a successful chain of cosmetology clinics, and their 9-year-old son, an avid football enthusiast.
Conclusion
Dr. Anagha Karkhanis embodies dedication and innovation, championing fertility care in India. Her work at Cocoon Fertility combines cutting-edge science with a deep understanding of patient needs, making parenthood possible for countless couples.
About Dr. Anagha Karkhanis:
Dr. Anagha Karkhanis is the co-founder of Cocoon Fertility, a leading chain of fertility centres in India. A specialist in reproductive medicine, she holds fellowships from Ireland, the UK, and Germany. An artist and musician at heart, she strives to balance professional excellence with creative pursuits.