Heal Fertility ("the centre") can resume accepting new patients for assisted reproductive technology procedures from tomorrow, following the Department of Health’s decision to lift its earlier directive suspension.

The centre was previously requested to stop accepting new cases for such procedures following a "Serious Untoward Event" involving a mix-up in embryo biopsy specimens.

The department said the decision to lift the suspension was made in light of confirmation by the Council on Human Reproductive Technology that the centre has properly implemented all remedial and improvement measures.

The council convened a special meeting today to review the centre’s licence. 

It highlighted that the council conducted an unannounced on‑site inspection of the centre on September 22, focusing on all aspects of the remedial measures.

The council was satisfied that the centre had refined its internal sample‑handling procedures, strengthened staff training, and upgraded laboratory management and security systems.

The council's requirements included implementation of CCTV surveillance on the premises, installation of biometric locks on all cryostorage tanks, and enhancement of sample identification and verification. 

The council also outlined that the main personnel involved in the incident had already left the centre, and that new staff had been recruited and trained. 

After thoroughly reviewing the relevant reports and inspection results, the council therefore allowed Heal Fertility to fully resume all 17 treatment services covered by its licence from tomorrow.

The council said it will continue to closely monitor Heal Fertility's performance.