SabahCare celebrates 580 IVF babies since 2018

KOTA KINABALU (Dec 8): SabahCare Fertility and Specialist Centre has helped make parenthood a reality for hundreds of couples through its in-vitro fertilisation (IVF) programme.

Since the programme began in 2018, the centre has welcomed 580 babies as of Nov 30 this year.

To commemorate the milestone, SabahCare hosted a gathering for parents and their children at its Damai premises here. The celebration reflected not only the centre’s success but also the trust placed in it by families, including those who travelled from as far as Brunei Darussalam and Indonesia for fertility treatment.

Medical Director Datuk Dr M. Hatta Tarmizi said each IVF treatment currently costs between RM18,000 and RM30,000, depending on individual medical needs. However, SabahCare will soon introduce a more affordable “low stimulation” option priced at RM9,688.

“This milestone represents the confidence our patients have in us and the unwavering dedication of our clinical team,” he said, adding that the centre remains committed to providing safe, innovative and compassionate fertility care.

SabahCare Clinical Director Dr Cheong Yee Tsing said the journey began long before the centre was established.

“We first started the IVF programme in 2010 when we were attached to the Women and Children’s Hospital in Likas. We went to Australia for training and, upon returning, the government asked us to initiate the programme at the hospital. In 2018, I went on to establish SabahCare, and Dr Hatta later joined the team,” she said.

Both doctors expressed heartfelt appreciation to the families who entrusted SabahCare with one of the most important journeys of their lives.

“We extend our deepest gratitude to all the families who placed their confidence in SabahCare. Their stories continue to inspire us as we strive to bring hope and new beginnings to even more couples in the years ahead,” they said.

Adding a special touch to the event was the presence of Chita, 14, SabahCare’s very first IVF baby, who joined other families and children born through the programme in the celebration.