Dr. Praveen Raj, Director at GEM Obesity and Diabetes Surgery Centre, said that obesity is now becoming an epidemic which is affecting one fourth of a world population including India. Further, bariatric surgery for obesity is considered as a cosmetic and not covered under the insurance coverage.
In order to bring this weight loss surgery including multiple effect on various diseases, under Insurance coverage Mr. Raj has approached Tamil Nadu Government. He argued that obesity could become a major killer because of its influence on diabetes, hypertension, heart attack etc.
Arguing on the above front, he added that though bariatric surgery is performed to reduce weight, it is proved that it can also completely cure diabetes. Further, this weight loss operation is performed to assist people in improving their quality of life using surgical intervention for weight reduction.
In addition to Mr. Raj approaching Tamil Nadu Government, bariatric performing surgeons in Maharashtra has already approached the Government and Insurance Regulatory Development Authority to bring this obesity surgery under the preview of insurance coverage. Also all associations representing bariatric surgeon will meet at National level in due course of time to present the fact before the central Government.
