Revolution in Pune: Sassoon Hospital Offers Free Bariatric Surgeries
Pune, 11th October 2023: With a legacy of serving patients for over a century, including treating Mahatma Gandhi in 1924, Maharashtra state government run Sassoon General Hospital continues to be a beacon of hope for the people of Pune. Whether facing local disasters like floods or global pandemics like COVID-19, the hospital has always stood firm.
Ten months ago, Dr. Sanjiv Thakur assumed the role of Dean of BJ Government Medical College and Sassoon General Hospital, Pune. Under his visionary leadership, the hospital has provided free medicines, world-class treatments, and major surgeries, including those for hernia, gall bladder, and appendicitis, entirely free of cost.
Sassoon General Hospital has become the first government hospital in India to offer free bariatric surgery to all patients. It is also the first hospital in Maharashtra to establish a Code Blue team. As part of the Maharashtra government’s obesity awareness campaign, an obesity outpatient department (OPD) was launched at the hospital. More than 15 patients have successfully undergone free bariatric surgery under this initiative, guided by Dr. Sanjiv Thakur.
Patients who have undergone bariatric surgery were invited to a gathering where their current status was reviewed. The session included a Q&A and allowed patients to share their experiences. Goski, a 73-year-old patient from Solapur, expressed his gratitude, saying, “This operation has given me a new life. I feel younger and more active than before. I believe my life has been extended by 10-15 years.”
Patients in the program range in age from 33 to 73 and have experienced an average weight loss of 15-20 kg. Dr. Ameya Thakur, Associate Professor in the Department of Surgery, emphasized the hospital’s commitment to patient care. “We are always in contact with all patients. We discuss their condition and are always ready to assist them with any pre- or post-operative concerns,” he said.
In recent months, the hospital has also focused on obesity awareness in rural health camps across Maharashtra. “About 40% of women and 12% of men between the ages of 28 and 50 are obese,” noted Dr. Ameya Thakur, Chief Bariatric and Metabolic Surgeon. “The main purpose of bariatric surgery is not just weight loss but also to manage other co-morbidities like type 2 diabetes mellitus, obstructive sleep apnea, joint pain, and other metabolic syndromes.”
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