World IVF Day, It's Time To Push For Access To Treatment, Affordability Solutions, And Patient-Based Approaches

JAKARTA Commemorating World IVF Day (World IVF IVF Day) on July 25, 2025, PT Merck Tbk (Merck) reaffirms its commitment to fully support efforts to expand access to the best IVF for Indonesian people by providing an affordability solution, and patient assistance. As a pioneer and leader in the fertility sector, Merck's approach is not only scientific and based on Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART), but also based on concern and empathy for patients.

Based on data from the Indonesian Ministry of Health, about 10-15% of couples in Indonesia experience infertility problems. This was reinforced by World Population Prospects data, in 1990 Indonesia's Total Fertility Rate (TFR) was still at the level of 3.10. Then in the following years TFR moved down to 2.15 last year. Cumulatively, Indonesia's birth rate has decreased by 30.64% during the 1990-2022 period.

Merck believes that fertility treatment (fertility) in Indonesia is an effective solution in maintaining a healthy level of population ratio in order to encourage the economy to be better.

Evie Yulin, President Director of PT Merck Tbk, said it was very proud to be a leader in fertility care for decades, with more than 100 years of experience in patient research and care. We remain steadfast in our commitment to support IVF experts to provide access to treatment by focusing on satisfaction and better results for the community.

"This year is a meaningful moment for us, because more than 6 million babies have been born worldwide through ART technology supported by Merck. All achievements encourage us to continue learning and working together as One Team, One Mission: #AsOneForPatients," he said in an official broadcast received by VOI.

Merck believes that fertility should be everyone's right. For this reason, actively encourage patient access to fertility treatment through insurance inclusion initiatives, including partnering with national stakeholders and private insurance providers. With this collaboration, it aims to help bridge cost challenges, so that more couples can realize their dream of having children without being burdened financially. This effort is also an important part in expanding access to more inclusive and sustainable fertility programs in Indonesia.

Indonesia's birth rate has fallen 30% in three decades

"Along with the development of the times, technology and expertise in IVF programs in Indonesia have reached standards that are equivalent to other leading countries. Doctors and clinics in Indonesia have proven their high credibility in providing quality ART services and are in accordance with global standards. Now, the challenge we must face is to increase public confidence in this health service, so that more and more couples feel the benefits and opportunities to realize their dreams of having children. Let's work together to encourage more people to take advantage of this innovative and quality health service," said Prof.

Dr. dr. Budi Wiweko, SpOG, Subsp. FER, MPH, FRANKZCOG (Hons), FICRM General Chairperson of PP POGI. Merck's commitment is not only limited to providing science-based medicine, but also focuses on patients-centered approaches to improve their experience while undergoing the IVF program.

To support this, Merck provides a series of value-based tools, including communication tools designed to help medical personnel explain IVF procedures and hopes for patients in a clearer and easier to understand. In addition, Merck also presents a comprehensive survey tool used to map and evaluate each stage of patient's journey at the clinical level, with the aim of identifying the emotional and logistical challenges the patient faces. Findings of this tool can be the basis for meaningful service improvements and are more in line with the patient's needs.

Prof. Dr. dr. Hendy Hendarto, SpOG, Subsp. FER - Chair of PERFITRI (In Vitro Indonesia Fertilization Gathering), said The view of fertility services must now shift towards a more patient centric or according to their individual needs and conditions. It's not just a matter of clinical outcomes, but how doctors build four- and transparent communication with patients. This is because success in IVF is not solely determined by technology, but by trust, comfort, and emotional support during the process.

To increase public confidence in IVF requires closer collaboration from various stakeholders. Therefore, Merck facilitated dialogue between stakeholders through the implementation of the 7th Indonesia Learning Initiative form Fertility Experts (LIFE) recently. Raising the theme "Advancing the Journey inART", 340 fertility experts in Indonesia are reunited with representatives from nurses, counselors, clinical managers, to the patient community to redefine what success means in assisted reproductive technology.

Wenny Aurelia, Founder & Chairwoman of Endometrosis Indonesia, added that Pertility challenge is not just a medical issue. IVF patients often face stress, fear of failure, and confusion due to lack of transparency. We hope that clinics and service providers of fertility can prioritize clear empathy and communication and educate from the start.

As a form of social responsibility, Merck provides assistance to his employers who want to have children to undergo the Fertility Allowance Program (Fertility Benefit Program). This innovative program not only offers financial support, but provides comprehensive solutions for employees and partners to realize their dream of becoming parents. Merck ensures that what patients are most sought after is sincere empathy, clear communication, and emotional support during difficult times of treatment.