Ace endoscopic bariatric services launched at GEM Hospital

GEM Obesity & Diabetes surgery centre , a unit of GEM Hospital recently launched the Department of Endoscopic weight-loss therapies for the treatment of obesity and associated diseases. This is a first of its kind in South India with dedicated endoscopic bariatric services. The department was inaugurated by Ramasamy, Chairman, Roots Industries and R.Pandiarajan, Superintendent of Police, Coimbatore District.

This department will perform procedures like Intra gastric balloon, Endoscopic Sleeve gastroplasty and Endobarrier. These procedures are indicated for patients who are unable to lose weight by conventional means. The aim of the procedures is to help patients lose 20-30% of their weight.

The Government of Tamil Nadu has now recognized bariatric surgery as a lifesaving surgery and has now been covered under the Chief Minister’s Health Insurance Scheme and Gem Hospital have now performed 75 surgeries under the scheme. It’s interesting to note that Tamil Nadu is the only state where this is covered under the government scheme.