What does it feel like to be thanked for bringing light into someone’s life? Dr Noushin Ashraf, Director of Reproductive Medicine and Senior Consultant at Craft Hospital, knows that feeling well. “We are indebted to you and the hospital for this gift,” patients often tell her. Behind such words are deeply emotional stories—stories of families who had almost given up on the dream of having a child.
Years ago, a woman battling infertility approached Dr Noushin at Craft Hospital in Kochi. She was overweight, weighing nearly 120 kg, and faced numerous health complications: a small uterus, irregular menstrual cycles, ovarian issues, high blood pressure, and severe diabetes. To make matters worse, she was constantly ridiculed and criticised by her own family. For any woman, these challenges would have been overwhelming.
Craft took on her case with determination. Dr Noushin implemented a multi-stage treatment plan, starting with non-surgical weight reduction. “We managed to lower both her weight and blood sugar levels. We selected a high-quality egg for fertilisation, prepared her uterus to receive the embryo, and ensured optimal conditions for the baby’s growth. After months of perseverance and care, the couple finally welcomed their own biological child,” she recalls.
Hope through modern fertility treatments
Despite rising infertility rates, Dr Noushin believes that Kerala’s advancements in fertility care offer real hope. “All scientifically validated modern infertility treatments are available here at Craft. What was once the domain of general gynaecologists has now expanded to super-speciality and multi-speciality centres. Craft played a pivotal role in making that happen,” she explains.
When Craft first opened in Kodungallur, few believed it would succeed in the infertility field. But in time, even international patients began seeking treatment there, leading to the establishment of the Kochi branch.
“In vitro fertilisation (IVF), also called test-tube baby treatment, remains a major milestone in reproductive care. Craft’s strength lies in its ability to select high-quality, disease-free embryos—a capability only a handful of centres worldwide possess. We provide the full range of Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART) options, including intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) and intrauterine insemination (IUI),” says Dr Noushin.
Craft’s commitment to patients
Dr Noushin stresses that couples should consider medical evaluation if pregnancy hasn’t occurred after a year of regular unprotected intercourse. “Lifestyle-related issues, especially obesity, are key contributors to infertility. Excess body fat negatively impacts reproductive hormones. Although fertility naturally declines with age, the best approach is to identify the underlying cause rather than jumping from one treatment to another. Infertility is a medical condition, and with timely, appropriate intervention, modern science can offer a cure,” she says.
Comprehensive care for reproductive health
Conditions like polycystic ovarian disease (PCOD) and endometriosis are becoming increasingly common in adolescent girls. Craft provides early diagnosis and treatment for such conditions, helping prevent future fertility issues.
Globally, IVF-ICSI is considered one of the most effective infertility treatments, with success rates of around 40%. In India, however, outcomes are generally lower.
This is where Kochi Craft Hospital & Research Centre stands out—offering higher-than-average success rates.
“Our experienced doctors conduct detailed evaluations to assess a couple’s suitability for various treatments. We believe that healthy couples can absolutely conceive successfully. For more complex cases, we also offer stem cell-based therapies—the newest frontier in fertility care. Our autologous stem cell ovarian transfer therapy has helped many women become mothers. In one remarkable case, a 49-year-old woman conceived using this technique,” says Dr Noushin.
Craft also uses stem cell therapy to treat damaged uterine lining caused by disease. Several women who underwent this procedure later conceived successfully.
Three decades of dedication
Craft Hospital began its journey in infertility treatment 30 years ago in Kodungallur, Thrissur. Founded by Dr Mohammed Ashraf, the institution eventually grew into a full-fledged research centre alongside its clinical work. From the beginning, Craft has remained rooted in the lives of ordinary people.
Dr Ashraf’s daughter, Dr Noushin, pursued a career in gynaecology after completing her MD and joined the institution to work alongside her father.
She began by meeting patients face-to-face, listening to their stories, and gradually carved her own path in reproductive medicine. She earned her MRCOG from the UK, followed by MRCP from Ireland, and completed a fellowship in Reproductive Medicine in India.
As Craft expanded across the state, Dr Noushin took over as Medical Director of the Kochi Craft Fertility Centre. Today, she serves as Senior Consultant at the Craft Institute and also heads FNB fellowship training programmes.
Craft’s reputation rests on its expertise and dedication. Dr Noushin’s scientific background and innovative treatments further strengthen the hospital’s offerings.
In addition to her work in Kochi, she also serves as Director and Senior Consultant of Reproductive Medicine at Craft Hospital & Research Centre in Kodungallur, Craft Hospital in Perinthalmanna, SJ Craft in Coimbatore, and AR Medical Centre in Kodungallur.
She is often called upon to handle critical cases at Craft hospitals in the Middle East and Maldives. Despite being relatively young, Dr Noushin has received multiple awards and accolades. She has also represented Kerala at several prestigious national and international conferences and seminars.
