The Opening Of The International Symposium On Current And Future Directions Of IVF Practice

09 Apr 2004

By Dr Balaji Sadasivan

Venue: Shangri-La Hotel

Dr Christopher Chen

Chairman, Organising Committee

Distinguished Guests

Ladies and Gentlemen

Introduction

It is my pleasure to join you this evening at this International Symposium on 'Current and Future Directions of IVF Practice'. I would first like to congratulate Dr Christopher Chen, Chairman of the Organising Committee and his committee for organising this symposium. I would also like to extend a warm welcome to all participants, especially those who come from overseas and wish you a pleasant stay in Singapore.

2 We are honoured that Singapore is chosen as the venue for this meeting. Such meetings remain highly relevant today in spite of the tremendous progress in communication technology and internet as they create the stimulating scientific environment for learning, exchange of ideas and experience and for networking and collaboration.

3 Like most of the developed countries, Singapore has overcome some of the basic problems in maternity and infant care. Our mothers and infants are generally enjoying good health and our infant mortality rate of 2.9 per 1000 live-births is comparable with other developed countries.

Declining Fertility

4 While we may have overcome some of the basic problems, with socio-economic advancement however, we are facing new challenges. The priorities of the young people are changing ? they are focusing on maximising opportunities for further education and development of career and delaying their marriages. This trend of young people getting married at a later age and postponing childbearing has led to lower fertility and contributed to the declining birth rate in Singapore.

5 Although infertility is not a life-threatening condition, it can cause significant psychological stress for affected couples. The Total Fertility Rate in Singapore is at an all time low of 1.29. We have a Committee to study Procreation Policies, called the Steering Group on Population, to put forth proposals to incentivise childbearing. With regard to infertility, advances in assisted reproduction techniques gives hope to these couples. The theme of this symposium 'Current & Future Directions of IVF Practice' is befitting, as it highlights the importance of continuously looking for improvement and development of new techniques in this area to meet the needs of infertile couples and to fulfill their dream of having their own child.

Development of Assisted Reproduction

6 An important milestone in the development of the assisted reproduction was the successful birth of the first 'test tube' baby, Louise Brown on 25 July 1978. This was the result of the pioneering work of Drs Patrick Steptoe and Robert Edwards with in-vitro fertilization. Since then, medical science and technology have advanced very rapidly and new and innovative techniques for diagnosis and treatment have been developed to better manage patients with infertility problems.

Development of Assisted Reproduction Services in Singapore

7 Assisted reproduction work first started in Singapore in the early 1980s. This was undertaken by the Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology of the National University of Singapore at the old Kandang Kerbau Hospital. Today, we have eight centres providing assisted reproduction services' three in the public sector and five in the private sector.

8 I am very pleased to note that since reproduction work was first started here in the early 1980s, Singapore has made some significant contributions to the development of assisted reproduction and we have scored a few firsts. The first pregnancy and live-birth following in-vitro fertilisation was achieved on 19 May 1983 resulting in the birth of Asia's first 'test tube' baby. The world?s first baby from subzonal-sperm injection was born on 20 April 1989 and the world?s first pregnancy from ampullary cells co-culture was delivered on 25 April 1991.

9 New innovations and treatment modalities ultimately benefit patients. I am sure many infertile couples have benefited from the many innovations made in the area of assisted reproduction.

Conclusions

10 In closing, let me wish all participants a successful and fruitful congress. It is now my pleasure to declare the International Symposium on 'Current and Future Directions of IVF Practice' open.