Mumbai, June 19: June 19 holds a significant place in the history of Indian medical science, marking the contributions of a remarkable scientist who made one of the world’s greatest medical miracles possible in India. This is the story of Dr. Subhash Mukhopadhyay, the father of India’s first test-tube baby, who did not receive recognition during his lifetime.
Today, as in vitro fertilization (IVF) techniques bring joy to millions of childless couples, it is essential to remember that the scientist who laid the foundation for this revolution in India had to wait more than two decades after his death to gain acknowledgment in his own country.
On July 25, 1978, the world’s first test-tube baby, Louise Brown, was born in the UK through the efforts of scientists Dr. Robert Edwards and Dr. Patrick Steptoe, thrilling the entire world. However, very few know that just 67 days later, Dr. Mukhopadhyay and his team announced the birth of ‘Durga,’ India’s first and the world’s second test-tube baby, through IVF technology in Kolkata. This achievement was extraordinary in itself.
Born on January 16, 1931, in Hazaribagh, Jharkhand, Dr. Mukhopadhyay was an exceptionally bright student from a young age. His father, Dr. Satyendra Nath Mukherjee, was a renowned radiologist. After completing his early education, he graduated in physiology from Calcutta University and earned his MBBS degree from Calcutta Medical College in 1955, receiving scholarships and a college medal for his outstanding performance in obstetrics and gynecology. He later obtained two PhDs in reproductive physiology and reproductive endocrinology.
Dr. Mukhopadhyay’s contributions were not limited to IVF. His scientific thinking was far ahead of the available technologies of his time. He utilized gonadotropin-based techniques to stimulate the ovaries, which later became standard treatments worldwide. Notably, he pioneered embryo cryopreservation, a method of safely freezing embryos for later use, which was recorded nearly five years before similar successes were achieved by other scientists. Many techniques now considered standard in the IVF industry were first experimented with by Dr. Mukhopadhyay in the 1970s.
Despite such significant success, Dr. Mukhopadhyay did not receive the recognition he deserved. The West Bengal government formed a committee to investigate his research, ironically without including IVF experts. Although he presented a detailed report of his research and findings, the committee dismissed his claims as unbelievable, absurd, and fraudulent. He was not allowed to present his research at international conferences, and his scientific work was ridiculed rather than taken seriously. A section of the media and the scientific community viewed him with skepticism.
The scientific rejection did not stop there. In 1980, he was transferred away from his home to RG Kar Medical College, and the following year, he was sent to the Regional Institute of Ophthalmology, where continuing his research became nearly impossible. Continuous humiliation, mental stress, and professional isolation took a toll on him, leading to health issues, including a heart attack. Ultimately, on June 18, 1981, he ended his life, leaving behind a note stating, “I cannot wait to die of a heart attack every day.”
Even after his death, Dr. Mukhopadhyay’s contributions went unrecognized for years. In 1997, Dr. T.C. Anand Kumar, former director of the Reproductive Research Institute in Mumbai, studied his research papers, documents, and handwritten notes. After thorough investigation, he confirmed that Dr. Mukhopadhyay’s research was entirely scientific and that ‘Durga’ was indeed India’s first IVF baby. As a result of his efforts, in 2002, the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) officially recognized Dr. Mukhopadhyay’s contributions.
Posthumously, several memorial lectures, research centers, and awards have been established in Dr. Mukhopadhyay’s name. The “Dr. Subhash Mukherjee Memorial Oration” began in 1982, and in 2007, he was included in the prestigious Dictionary of Medical Biography. In 2012, the ICMR announced an award in his name, and in 2020, the ICMR-National Institute of Reproductive Health Research published a special book on his life and achievements.
My name is Ganpat Singh Choughan. I am an experienced content writer with 8 years of expertise in the field. Currently, I contribute to Udaipur Kiran & Daily Kiran, creating engaging and informative content across a variety of categories including technology, health, travel, education, and automobiles. My goal is to deliver accurate, insightful, and captivating information through my words to help readers stay informed and empowered.