The Miracle of Life

Australian Concept Infertility IVF & genetics center

For over 27 years, Australian Concept Infertility IVF & Genetics center has been a source of hope for thousands of couples struggling with infertility. What once seemed like an impossible dream has now become a reality for so many who have walked through the doors of this pioneering fertility centre. Through advanced medical expertise, cutting-edge technology, and a deep commitment to ethical and compassionate care, Dr. Sajjad and his team have helped countless couples experience the indescribable joy of holding their child for the first time.

Infertility is more than just a medical condition—it is an emotional and psychological battle that affects every aspect of a couple’s life. In a society where having children is often considered an essential part of marriage, the pain of infertility can be isolating, misunderstood, and even stigmatized.

Since its inception in 1998, Australian Concept Infertility IVF & Genetics center has not only introduced world-class Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART) to Pakistan but has also worked tirelessly to educate, counsel, and support patients through every step of their fertility journey. Today, with state-of-the-art fertility clinics across multiple cities, a team of highly skilled embryologists and doctors, and a commitment to continuous innovation, the group remains a leader in the field of infertility treatment.

In this exclusive interview, Dr. Syed Sajjad Hussain shares his journey, the evolution of ART and IVF in Pakistan, the latest advancements in fertility treatments.

Q1. Could you share what inspired you to enter this field and the challenges you faced in the early days?

Infertility has always been a silent struggle, and in Pakistan, it is not just a medical challenge—it is a societal and emotional one. When I first stepped into this field, IVF was widely misunderstood. Many people believed that a test tube baby meant an artificially created child, grown entirely in a laboratory. There was fear, misinformation, and a lot of religious concerns about whether this treatment was permissible in Islam.

I knew that infertility wasn’t just about medicine; it was about emotions, relationships, and the deep pain of longing for a child. A  team of experts from Australia came to Pakistan in the 1990s to study fertility treatments. I realized that there was an urgent need to establish a world-class fertility centre in Pakistan—one that would not only provide advanced treatments but also help change the way people perceive infertility.

We faced resistance in the beginning. Many questioned whether we were interfering with Divine will. I wanted to address this openly, so I asked a journalist to publish extensive research on Islamic rulings regarding IVF. It became clear that Islam allows fertility treatments as long as they are conducted between a legally married couple without third-party donors. Once people understood this, perceptions began to change, and we moved forward with our mission.

Q2. How has the perception of infertility and fertility treatments evolved in Pakistan over the years?

The progress has been remarkable, but there is still a long way to go. When we started, infertility treatments were only available in a few places, and patients had to travel to Karachi for even basic tests. This was emotionally and financially exhausting for couples. I saw their struggles and knew we had to bring fertility treatments closer to them. We expanded our centres to Hyderabad, Sukkur, Lahore, and other cities to ensure that couples across the country could access these services.

However, Pakistan still lags behind many other countries when it comes to fertility research and awareness. In western countries, doctors and researchers collaborate, share knowledge, and continuously refine treatments. Here, there is still hesitation in discussing infertility openly, and research is not as advanced as it should be. But we are working to change that.

Q3. What are the most common misconceptions about IVF and infertility that you’ve encountered?

There are many, but one of the biggest misconceptions is that infertility is only a woman’s problem. The reality is that male infertility is also responsible. Another misconception is that IVF guarantees pregnancy, when in fact, it significantly increases the chances but, like any medical procedure, does not guarantee success.

Some people still believe that IVF babies are somehow different from naturally conceived children, which is completely false. An IVF baby is just as natural and healthy—the only difference is that science is helping where patients need assistance.

Q4. What are some of the latest advancements in fertility treatments that you have introduced in your centres?

Science and technology have revolutionized fertility treatments over the years. One of the most significant advancements we’ve integrated is Time-Lapse Incubator technology, which allows us to monitor embryo development 24/7 without opening the incubator, reducing risks and improving embryo survival rates. We have also introduced Microsurgical Epididymal Sperm Aspiration (MESA), a breakthrough procedure that now offers hope to patients with zero sperm count.

Q5. IVF can be emotionally exhausting for couples. How do you support them through this process?

The emotional toll of infertility is immense. The struggle to conceive can lead to depression, anxiety, and relationship stress. Many couples feel isolated, ashamed, or pressured by family members. That’s why we ensure that our patients are not only receiving the best medical treatment but also the emotional and psychological support they need.

We provide counselling, offer financial assistance where needed, and make sure every couple feels heard and cared for. We never turn away a patient because of financial limitations. If someone truly needs assistance, we do our best to accommodate them with discounts and financial aid. No couple should have to give up on their dream of having a child due to financial constraints. We believe that parenthood is a right, not a privilege, and we do everything in our power to help our patients through their journey.

Q6. Can you share some of the most memorable success stories in your career?

There have been so many incredible success stories over the years, but some cases stand out as true miracles.

One patient came to us with extremely low hormone levels and a history of surgery. Medically speaking, her chances of conceiving were close to zero. But she and her husband were determined to try. We provided the best treatment possible, but ultimately, we knew that success depended on Allah’s will. Miraculously, she conceived and gave birth to a healthy baby. Seeing that couple hold their child for the first time was a moment I will never forget.

Another case was of a lawyer who was eager to start the IVF process immediately. However, for the safety of the baby, we always recommend that mothers be vaccinated against Rubella before pregnancy. He insisted on proceeding without waiting. Unfortunately, just four months into the pregnancy, the virus attacked, and the child did not survive. It was heartbreaking, and it reinforced an important lesson—medical guidance must be followed for the health and safety of both mother and baby.

On a more positive note, I remember a woman who won a free IVF treatment during one of our promotional campaigns. When she came in for counseling, I advised her to first lose some weight and improve her diet before undergoing the procedure. A few months later, she called me from Faisalabad, overjoyed—she had conceived naturally without even needing IVF. Today, she is a mother of three. This was a perfect example of how simple lifestyle changes can sometimes be the key to fertility.

Q7. How does lifestyle impact fertility, and what advice do you give to couples trying to conceive?

Lifestyle plays a major role in fertility. Many cases of infertility can be linked to poor diet, stress, smoking, obesity, or hormonal imbalances. I always tell my patients that before considering any medical procedures, they should first focus on their health.

For women, maintaining a healthy weight is crucial because excessive weight gain or loss can disrupt hormonal balance and ovulation. For men, smoking and excessive alcohol consumption can reduce sperm quality. Even stress can affect fertility, as it can lead to hormonal imbalances. A healthy body creates the best environment for conception.

Q8. Pakistan still lags behind other countries in fertility research. What steps are you taking to change this?

This is something I am deeply passionate about. In many developed countries, infertility research is a priority, and medical professionals constantly collaborate to improve treatments. In Pakistan, we lack dedicated research institutions focused on ART. That is why I am working towards establishing a world-class research and training institute in Pakistan.

My goal is to not only treat patients but also train future fertility specialists. We need more doctors, embryologists, and researchers who are equipped with the latest knowledge and skills. I want to build a centre where local and international experts can work together, conduct research, and bring Pakistan to the forefront of fertility advancements.

Q9. What is your vision for the future of Australian Concept Infertility IVF & genetics centre?

My mission has always been simple—to provide the best fertility treatments in Pakistan with honesty, dedication and compassion. I want our centres to continue offering the most advanced technologies, the highest ethical standards, and a patient-first approach.

I also want to make fertility treatments more accessible and affordable, so that no couple has to suffer in silence because they cannot afford care. Whether I am here or not, I want this mission to continue—to ensure that every couple who dreams of having a child gets the best chance to make that dream a reality.

Q10. What message would you like to give to couples struggling with infertility?

To every couple who is struggling, I want to say this: You are not alone. Infertility is not a curse, and it is not something to be ashamed of. It is a medical condition, just like any other, and there are solutions available.

I have seen countless couples who had lost hope finally hold their baby in their arms. Faith, patience, and the right treatment can make miracles happen. And at Australian Concept Infertility IVF & Genetics center, we are here to help you every step of the way. Your journey to parenthood starts with hope, and we are honoured to be a part of that journey.