Cyprus is witnessing an unprecedented surge in state expenditure on fertility treatments, with projections indicating a twelvefold increase in government outlay by 2025 compared to 2016 figures. This dramatic escalation, driven by burgeoning demand and a more comprehensive state subsidy scheme, is significantly enhancing the accessibility of assisted reproductive technologies for couples and individuals grappling with infertility.
The Ministry of Health's commitment to addressing the growing need for fertility assistance is underscored by the substantial financial commitment. State spending, which stood at a comparatively modest €475,417 in 2016, is now forecast to reach an annual figure of €5.75 million by 2025. Over the past decade, the government has allocated a cumulative €31.5 million, supporting the fertility journeys of 14,946 individuals. A pivotal revision to the subsidy framework in 2021 appears to have been a significant catalyst for the recent uptick in subsidized treatments.
This expansion of financial support is designed to alleviate the considerable financial burden associated with advanced fertility procedures. Treatments such as in-vitro fertilisation (IVF) and intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) typically incur costs ranging from €6,000 to €10,000 per cycle. Furthermore, ancillary procedures like pre-implantation genetic diagnosis, which can add approximately €2,000, and egg cryopreservation, costing between €2,500 and €4,000, are now more attainable for a wider demographic. The government also provides €500 subsidies for single embryo transfers, a technique aimed at optimising success rates and minimising the risks of multiple pregnancies.
The current subsidy structure is remarkably inclusive, offering couples without existing children up to four subsidised attempts at conception. The financial assistance varies per attempt, with €4,500 provided for the first, €3,500 for the second, and €2,500 for the third and fourth attempts. For couples who already have children, the number of subsidised attempts is adjusted accordingly, with those having one child eligible for up to three attempts, and those with two children qualifying for a maximum of two. Additionally, women aged between 35 and 43 can receive €2,000 towards the cost of egg cryopreservation, a procedure offering future reproductive options. The state also covers up to 35 free gonadotropin injections per person via SHSO pharmacies for individuals undergoing up to four treatment cycles.
The increasing utilisation of these services reflects a growing societal reliance on assisted reproductive technologies. Experts emphasise the critical role of timely intervention. Dr. Nikos Zottis, an obstetrician-gynaecologist at Ledra Clinic and a member of the Medically Assisted Reproduction Council, stressed, "Age works negatively. People must consult specialists first and not let time pass. The sooner, the more chances you have to succeed." Indeed, while average success rates per IVF attempt hover around 40-50%, these figures are heavily influenced by age, with a pronounced decline observed after the age of 40, and particularly after 42. Individual success can vary significantly, ranging from 20% to 60%.
The substantial increase in government spending and the comprehensive nature of the expanded subsidies are poised to make fertility treatments more accessible, offering a renewed sense of hope to numerous individuals and couples across Cyprus who aspire to start or expand their families. This strategic investment not only addresses a pressing societal need but also positions Cyprus as a nation proactively supporting its citizens in overcoming the challenges of infertility.