ONE OF THE OLDEST IVF GROUPS IN INDIA
(30 YEARS EXPERIENCE)

Dr Hrishikesh Pai

Dr Hrishikesh D Pai is one of India’s leading gynecologists and pioneer in ART. In 1990, Dr Pai trained in IVF by doing Clinical Fellowship in Reproductive Biology and Embryology at the Royal Women’s Hospital, Melbourne Australia. He did his Masters in Science at the Eastern Virginia Medical School, Norfolk USA. He is the Medical Director of Bloom IVF Group with 8 IVF centres all over India including Mumbai, New Delhi, Gurugram, Mohali Chandigarh, Navi Mumbai and Nashik. He has won 45+ awards including Best Doctor Award by the National Indian Medical Association, Lifetime Achievement Award bestowed by the Indian Society for Study in Reproduction and Lifetime Achievement Award by Indian Society for Assisted Reproduction in 2020. Dr Pai received the prestigious Fellowship Endeum FRCOG which was bestowed by the Royal College of Obstetrics & Gynecology London UK in June 2019 in London.

At present, Dr Pai is the President Elect FOGSI 2022-23 Federation of Obstetric & Gynaecological Societies of India; the Director of External Affairs, International Federation of Fertility Societies IFFS; the Administrator of the FOGSI Manyata program jointly conducted by FOGSI & MSD for Mothers / MacArthur Foundation. He has been Past Assistant Treasurer IFFS, Past Secretary General FOGSI, Past President of Indian Society for Assisted Reproduction ISAR and Past President of Indian Association of Gynaecological Endoscopists IAGE.

Dr Pai has been a leading teacher and academician. He has been assistant professor at the D Y Patil Medical College, and the post graduate teacher at the MD and DNB examinations, National Board New Delhi. He is the Editor, Indian Edition of British Journal of OBGYN BJOG and Founder Chair, Indian SIG ASRM American Society for Reproductive Medicine. He has had many articles and research papers published in national & international books & journals and has delivered more than 500 guest lectures all over India and abroad.

Pioneering new techniques in the field of medicine

Encouraging the Development of specialties in the branch of medicine - Assisted Reproduction Techniques. Dr.Pai’s career began with his graduation from the most prestigious medical college in Mumbai, G.S. Medical College, with three distinctions followed by 2 gold medals in his M.D. In 1989, he went on a clinical fellowship to the Royal Women’s Hospital in Melbourne, where the world’s second test-tube baby was born.

Mastering the technique in a year, he returned to Mumbai and set up his first IVF center in 1991. Over the years, he has performed over 10,000 test-tube babies procedures, enriching the lives of hundreds of childless couples. During this process Dr Pai has introduced numerous path breaking and pioneering techniques in the field of Assisted Reproductive Technology.

  • He is one of the earliest Gynecologist in India to foray into the world of Assisted Reproductive Technology, way back in 1991.
  • He is the fourth Gynecologist in India to introduce the technique of Intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) in 1996.
  • He is the first Gynecologist in India to introduce the technique of assisted laser hatching to enhance pregnancy rates in IVF, in 1998.
  • He is the first Gynecologist in India to introduce the technique of Preimplantation Geneticdiagnosis in 2000.
  • He is the first Gynecologist in India to introduce the technique of outpatient diagnostic and operative office hysteroscopy which can be done without general anesthesia, in 2004.
  • He is the first Gynecologist in India to introduce the technique of Spindle view to visualize the chromosomal spindle during ICSI procedure.
  • He is the second Gynecologist in India to introduce the technique of Embryo freezing using Vitrification technology in 2007.
  • He is the first Gynecologist in India to introduce the technique of oocyte freezing in 2007.
  • He is the first Gynecologist in India to introduce the technique of ovarian tissue freezing in young women suffering from cancer in 2007.
  • He is the first Gynecologist in India to introduce the technique of Intracytoplasmic morphologically selected sperm transfer during ICSI procedure in 2009.
  • He is the second Gynecologist in India to introduce the procedure of In Vitro Maturation of oocytes in 2009.
  • Dr Pai is the Founder Editor of The Journal of Gynecological Endoscopy & Surgery, which is launched in 2009, when he was President of the Indian association of GynecologicalEndoscopists.

He has one of the ten IVF clinics in India, who has been recognized to offer Fellowship in superspeciality of ART by the National Board New Delhi.

Dr Pai’s learning curve is steeply sloping upward, with new innovations being implemented as Science progresses.

“A leader is just an average man with a vision, and the compassion to impart it to others”

Though Dr.Pai has been academically and professionally active, he has a vision for Science and humanity, and propagates this through teaching. He is an Asst. Adjunct Professor at East Virginia Medical School, USA, Post graduate teacher in Gynaecology at the National DNB Examinations, and has trained more than 1000 Gynecologists.

Recently, Dr Pai’s IVF Centre was selected by the National board of examinations, New Delhi, as one of the few centres to award the fellowship Degree in the super-specialty of Assisted Reproductive Technologies.

Dr HrishikeshPai was the President of the Mumbai Obstetrics & Gynaecological Society (2008), a-2200, 55-year-old society which conducts numerous academic and social activities, including conducting medical camps & spreading health awareness amongst the women of our country.

He was also the President of the Indian Association of Gynaecological Endoscopists, from 2007 to 2009, comprising of 1500 endoscopic surgeons.

He is also the current Vice President of the Indian Society for Assisted Reproduction popularly known as ISAR. ISAR is the national body of all Gynaecologists (900) dealing with the treatment of infertile couples.

Lastly, he has been the Senior Vice President of the Federation of Obstetrics and Gynaecological Societies of India, popularly known as FOGSI, in the year 2006. With 22,000 members, Dr.Pai has led a large number of FOGSI academic and social programmes for the welfare of women and doctors. One of its very popular grass root programs is the Bharat Jagruti Ganga Yatra, wherein the FOGSI members travel on cycles or vehicles from town to town and village to village, spreading awareness about relevant health issues.

Another very popular program of FOGSI is the EMOC, in which paramedical workers in remote areas of India are taught how to conduct deliveries including caesarean sections, thus reducing the problems of maternal complications and death following delivery. The FOGSI is also at the forefront in promoting the PNDT act. It conducts numerous public awareness programs including those on adolescent sexuality and health, anaemia prevention, safe delivery, Family welfare and promoting equality amongst the sexes and preventing female feticide.

Recently Dr Pai has been elected to the post of Treasurer of FOGSI (for the year 2009) which is a very prestigious administrative position.

Dr Pai has also been Chairman of the Genetics and Fetal Medicine Committee of FOGSI from the year 2002 till 2006. During his tenure, Dr Pai spread the message of using folic acid in the antenatal period to reduce the incidence of geneticmalformations in the new born children.

“Recognition is secondary. I think it is important for people to know who I am so that they know of my work, which can only be beneficial to the efforts.”

In addition to his many awards and recognitions, Dr.Pai’s work has been extensively written about in the print and electronic media. His interviews have been printed in top magazines such as India Today, Newsweek, and Chitralekha. Dr.Pai was featured on the front page of the Times of India for his pathbreaking work in the field of infertility in 2004, 2006 and 2008. His work has been highlighted in articles in numerous leading newspapers such as Times of India, Indian Express, DNA, Economic Times, Hindustan Times, The Hindu and the Deccan Chronicle, in addition to many local newspapers all over the country. Dr.Pai has figured in patient information programs on a number of occasions, on Doordarshan, Zee Marathi, Zee 24 hours and Care Television. He has also been interviewed by news channels such as Zee News, Aajtak, Star News, CNN IBN and NDTV 24x7. Recently he had been interviewed for an article in the Wall Street Journal USA.

Throughout his public interactions and media appearances, Dr Pai has dwelt on various issues pertaining to the promotion of women’s health in India

What is life without service?

Dr.Pai has been giving back to society since his college days, when he joined the National Social Service, and when he received the Best Intern’s Prize for vaccinating children in the slums of Malawani, Mumbai, against the evil of Polio. Through his work at FOGSI Vice President as well as Mumbai Obstetric Society President, he has conceived of and organised several programmes aimed at rural women, adolescents, and urban women: ranging from cancer screening camps to awareness talks. Even after his tenure, he continues to be an active participant in these activities.

In the past, he has been the Community Service Director for the Rotary club of Mumbai, organising several health check-up camps, cataract surgery camps and family planning camps.

He holds the post of Medical director of Pearl Family Welfare Hospital. This is one of the pioneering hospitals in the field of family welfare and planning. Over the years, the hospital has won numerous awards from the Government of Maharashtra.

One of his most significant appointments is the Honorary Asst. Consultant in Gynecology post he held at the Bhabha Municipal General Hospital at Kurla from 1991 till 2007. He regularly devoted time to serve the people of Mumbai for free with nominal honorarium of Rs 1000 /- by the Municipal Corporation of Greater Mumbai.

Another project which is very dear to him is the NiralaVrudhashrama. This home for the aged was started by Dr Pai’s father, Padmashree Dr D.N. Paiin 1980s. The home provides care for the aged at very subsidized rates. The home is not aided by any organization. It is supported by Dr Pai’s private resources.

“I have many roles in my life: that of a doctor, a teacher, a mentor, a student, a family man: however there is one role that has transcended any form of classification. My role in the shaping of my country: I am willing to be a dutiful son, a guiding friend, a doctor or a visionary if it leads to the overall progress of the nation.”

Dr.Pai lives by Dr. B.R. Ambedkar’s quote: “I measure the progress of a community by the degree of progress which women have achieved.” The progress of woman in the nation is his utmost priority, and demands constant commitment. Despite having participated in various social service programmes, he feels there is a dearth of conclusive solutions being taken to purge the problems of infertility, malnutrition & anaemia especially for expecting mothers, female infanticide etc.

From 2009 onwards, he is the Treasurer of FOGSI, a post under which he plans to implement programmes targeted to spreading awareness of reproductive health and emancipation all over India, especially in mid-scale towns and rural areas.

Recently, he formed a charitable trust The Infertility Health Foundation which seeks to provide subsidised, high quality healthcare for low-income families in terms of family welfare and reproductive health.

Dr.Pai believes in the power of information: he advocates information centres and help-lines (and has also himself implemented an Infertility helpline), alongside extensive education, to purge the demons of female infanticide and sex-detection. Through his rich experience in leadership and teaching, he has an impeccable picture of practicality and the functioning of the medical community, and believes in both sensitizing people and doctors. Together, he says, the doctor community can unite under the purpose of women’s health and make a sustainable change to the most common problems that underprivileged women face.

Dr Hrishikesh Pai receiving esteemed Fellowship ad eundem of the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists, London, UK, FRCOG 2019 which is one of the top most academic award for a gynaecologist worldwide


ISAR Late Dr Prabha Malhotra Memorial Lifetime Achievement Award 2020 at Annual ISAR - Indian Society for Assisted Reproduction Conference, Hyderabad 2020 for valuable services rendered to infertile couples and a lifelong commitment to the specialty


ISAR Champion Award at Annual ISAR - Indian Society for Assisted Reproduction Conference, Hyderabad 2020


FOGSI Manyata Leadership Award 2020 at 63rd All India Congress of Obstetrics & Gynaecology 2020, Lucknow for providing strong and innovative leadership to the FOGSI Manyata Program enabling it's significant impact towards improving quality care during childbirth in India


FOGSI Champions of Motherhood Award at 63rd All India Congress of Obstetrics & Gynaecology 2020, Lucknow for excellent contribution to FOGSI We for Stree social and academic activities


FOGSI Shiromani Award at 63rd All India Congress of Obstetrics & Gynaecology 2020, Lucknow


Mumbai Obstetric and Gynaecological Society Appreciation Award, Mumbai 2020


Distinguished Chair Award at IOG Dr. Stya Paul Awards 2019-20 presented by Apeejay Stya Group and Indian Obstetrics and Gynaecology (IOG), New Delhi


CSR Health Impact Award 2019 in Women and Child Health Initiative by IHW Council at New Delhi


Awarded with the esteemed Fellowship ad eundem of the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists, London UK, FRCOG 2019


ETHealthworld Most Inspiring Gynaecologists of West India at ETHealthworld Fertility Conclave 2019


Lifetime Achievement Award for Outstanding Research in Reproductive Health by ISSRF (Indian Society for the Study of Reproduction and Fertility) 2019


Dr Ameet Patki Be Global… Touch Local Award by MOGS (The Mumbai Obstetric & Gynaecological Society) 2019


R K Medical Excellence Award – Pioneer in IVF in India 2019


Pharma Leaders Most Valuable & Reliable Multi Specialty Centre for Fertility & IVF 2018


MGA (Mahanagar Global Achievers) Award New Delhi for Best IVF Centre 2018


Times Healthcare Achievers Award, New Delhi as “Legend – IVF & Fertility” 2018


Times Healthcare Achievers Award, Mumbai as “Legend – IVF & Fertility” 2018


FOGSI Partnership Health Award for Manyata - Social Entrepreneurship Award for Outstanding Contribution to Saving Mothers by the USAID (United States Government Aid Agency) and MSD for Mothers 2018


Chikitsa Ratan Award by Indian Medical Association South Delhi 2018


Doctor of the Year Award by IMA (Indian Medical Association) at Centenary Celebrations of Medical Conferences in India in 2017


Healthcare Leader of the Year 2017 at Pharmaleaders Business Leadership Awards, Mumbai


Dr. Kanak Goel National award given by the National Indian Medical Association in 2016


Dr. B.N. Purandare Outstanding Service Award by MOGS (The Mumbai Obstetric & Gynaecological Society) in 2017


FERTICON Life Time Award Chennai for excellence in the field of Assisted Reproductive Techniques 2015


Medscape India Unite for care National award for excellence in gynaecology at hands of Cricketer Mohamad azzaruddin 2015


21st Lions Gold Award for excellence in Gynecology 2014 – 2015.


Sarojben Desai Excellence Award by MOGS (The Mumbai Obstetric & Gynaecological Society) in 2010-2011


International Frost and Sullivan award for the best Infertility Services India. 2013


Recipient of the RK Excellence Awards for ‘Excellent IVF Doctor in India’ at hands of Union Cabinet minister for Coal Mr Jaiswal 2010


Jai Hind College Alumni Association prize for excellence in Medicine presented at the hands of Finance Minister of Maharashtra Shri Jayant Patil 2008


NavShakti Paper Award, for yeomen service in the field of Medicine presented at the hands of late Chief Minister of Maharashtra Shri Vilasrao Deshmukh 2008


Best Doctor’s Award, Indian Medical association (Mumbai west).2008

Rajiv Gandhi Rashtriya Ekta Award , (Presented at Teen MurtiBhavan, at the hands of union cabinet minister Shree Buta Singh). 2002.


FOGSI Best paper prize at the All India conference 2001.

FOGSI Herculean Desa prize for the best thesis on contraception 1986

MD Gold Medallist, University of Mumbai, 1985


Best Intern’s Prize, G S Medical college , Mumbai University 1983