Obesity is no longer just a lifestyle issue; it has become one of the most concerning public health concerns worldwide. In Tamil Nadu, rising obesity rates, particularly in urban centres like Chennai, Coimbatore, and Madurai, have created an urgent need for advanced weight-loss treatments.
Bariatric surgery, often referred to as “weight-loss surgery,” has emerged as a proven solution for patients struggling with severe obesity and its related complications.
But here is the surprising fact: Tamil Nadu residents can now undergo bariatric surgery at little to no cost under the Chief Minister’s Comprehensive Health Insurance Scheme (CMCHIS), which is integrated with the Ayushman Bharat – PMJAY scheme. This means families who previously thought of bariatric surgery as “out of reach” due to its high costs can now access it for free in empanelled hospitals.
Read Speciality-Wise CMCHIS Hospital Coverage in Tamil Nadu – Complete Guide
What is Bariatric Surgery?
Bariatric surgery refers to a group of medical procedures designed to help people lose weight by making changes to their digestive system. It is not a cosmetic surgery, but rather a medically approved treatment for obesity when diet, exercise, and medications fail to work.
Types of Bariatric Surgery
- Gastric Bypass (Roux-en-Y) – Reduces the size of the stomach and bypasses a portion of the small intestine, limiting calorie absorption.
- Sleeve Gastrectomy – Removes about 80% of the stomach, leaving a banana-shaped “sleeve.”
- Adjustable Gastric Band – A band is placed around the stomach to restrict food intake (less commonly performed now).
- Biliopancreatic Diversion with Duodenal Switch (BPD/DS) – A more complex surgery that reduces stomach size and reroutes intestines.
Each method has its own advantages, risks, and suitability depending on the patient’s health condition.
Why is Bariatric Surgery Needed?
Obesity is more than just excess body weight, it is linked with multiple health risks:
- Type 2 Diabetes
- Hypertension
- Heart Disease
- Stroke
- Sleep Apnea
- Joint Problems (Arthritis)
- Certain types of Cancer
In Tamil Nadu, where urban obesity rates among adults are above 30% (according to NFHS-5 data), the demand for bariatric surgery is growing. Doctors often recommend it when:
- Body Mass Index (BMI) is 40 or higher, or
- BMI is 35 or higher with obesity-related conditions like diabetes or hypertension.
Advantages of Bariatric Surgery
Significant weight loss – Patients often lose 50–70% of excess body weight within 1–2 years.
Improved quality of life – Increased mobility, reduced joint pain, and higher energy levels.
Remission of diabetes – Many patients see dramatic improvements or even reversal of type 2 diabetes.
Lower risk of heart disease – Reduction in cholesterol and blood pressure levels.
Long-term survival benefits – Studies show that bariatric surgery patients live longer and healthier lives compared to untreated obese individuals.
Disadvantages and Risks
Like any major surgery, bariatric surgery carries some risks. Patients should be well informed about:
Surgical risks – Bleeding, infection, or complications related to anesthesia.
Nutritional deficiencies – Since food absorption is altered, vitamin and mineral supplements are often required for life.
Lifestyle changes – Surgery is not a “quick fix.” Patients must commit to long-term diet and exercise changes.
Emotional impact – Body image, self-esteem, and adjustment issues can arise post-surgery.
Doctors in Tamil Nadu typically conduct a multi-stage evaluation—including nutritional counseling, psychological assessment, and pre-surgery fitness checks—before approving patients for bariatric surgery.
Bariatric Surgery in Tamil Nadu: The CMCHIS Advantage
The cost of bariatric surgery in private hospitals usually ranges from ₹2.5 lakh to ₹5 lakh, making it unaffordable for most families. This is where CMCHIS (Chief Minister’s Comprehensive Health Insurance Scheme) becomes a game-changer.
How CMCHIS Helps:
- Free Coverage – The entire cost of bariatric surgery is covered in empanelled hospitals.
- Cashless Treatment – Patients do not need to pay upfront; the government directly settles bills with hospitals.
- Wide Network – Several high-end private and government hospitals in Tamil Nadu are empanelled under CMCHIS for bariatric surgery.
- Inclusive Benefit – Available to low-income families with ration card eligibility and Aadhaar verification.
Tamil Nadu Obesity & Bariatric Surgery Statistics
- NFHS-5 (2020–21) shows 36% of women and 34% of men in Tamil Nadu are overweight or obese.
- Chennai, Coimbatore, and Madurai report the highest demand for bariatric surgery due to higher urban obesity rates.
- Doctors in Tamil Nadu perform over 3,000 bariatric surgeries annually, with numbers steadily increasing.
This makes CMCHIS coverage critical, helping hundreds of patients who otherwise couldn’t afford such advanced surgery.
Bariatric Surgery Hospitals in Tamil Nadu under CMCHIS
Below is the list of empanelled hospitals offering Bariatric Surgery under CMCHIS / PMJAY in Tamil Nadu, along with their contact details:
| Hospital Name | City/District | Address | Contact Number |
| Gleneagles Global Health City | Chengalpattu (Kancheepuram) | 439, Medavakkam Road, Cheran Nagar, Perumbakkam, Kancheepuram | 9940559955 |
| Gem Hospital & Research Centre Pvt. Ltd. | Chennai (Perungudi) | Thiruvengadam Nagar, Perungudi, Chennai – 600096 | 9840322977 |
| MGM Hospital | Chennai (Aminjikarai) | New No. 72, Old No. 54, Nelson Manickam Road, Aminjikarai, Chennai | 9600048805 |
| Fortis Malar Hospital | Chennai (Adyar) | No. 52, 1st Main Road, Gandhi Nagar, Adyar, Chennai | 8826877708 |
| Noble Hospital | Chennai (Purasawakkam) | 4, Audiappa Mudali Street, Opp. Lady MCTM School, Purasawakkam, Chennai | 8508999999 |
| Gem Hospital & Research Centre | Coimbatore (Ramanathapuram) | 45A, Pankaja Mill Road, Ramanathapuram, Coimbatore – 641045 | 9894200200 |
| JIPMER Hospital | Puducherry (Serving Cuddalore Region) | Dhanvantri Nagar, Gorimedu, Puducherry | 0413-2296501 |
| Siva Hospital | Kanyakumari | West Coast Road, Eathamozhi PO, Kanyakumari | 8973027272 |
| Government Rajaji Hospital | Madurai | Panagal Road, Goripalayam, Madurai | 9677752252 |
| Bharathi Hospital | Madurai (K. Pudur) | 115, Alagar Kovil Road, K. Pudur, Madurai | 9789470605 |
| Kauvery Medical Centre & Hospital | Tiruchirappalli (Tennur) | No. 1, K.C Road, Tennur, Trichy – 17 | 9361388806 |
| KMC Speciality Hospital | Tiruchirappalli (Royal Road) | No. 6, Royal Road, Trichy – 1 | 9344503284 |
Who Can Benefit?
Bariatric surgery under CMCHIS is most beneficial for:
- Families from economically weaker sections with severe obesity.
- Patients are struggling with diabetes or hypertension despite medication.
- Individuals in urban districts like Chennai, Coimbatore, Madurai, and Trichy are experiencing a rise in lifestyle-related obesity.
FAQs on Bariatric Surgery under CMCHIS in Tamil Nadu
Q1. Is bariatric surgery free in Tamil Nadu?
Yes. Under CMCHIS (linked with PMJAY), eligible families can undergo bariatric surgery for free in empanelled hospitals.
Q2. Which hospitals in Tamil Nadu offer free bariatric surgery?
Both government hospitals (like Kilpauk Medical College, Government Rajaji Hospital) and private hospitals (like Apollo, PSG, CMC Vellore) are empanelled under CMCHIS for bariatric surgery.
Q3. Who is eligible for free bariatric surgery under CMCHIS?
Families holding a ration card with an annual income below ₹1.2 lakh and Aadhaar-linked ID proof are eligible. Patients must meet the medical BMI criteria.
Q4. Is bariatric surgery safe?
Yes, when performed by experienced surgeons in accredited hospitals. However, patients must follow strict post-surgery care guidelines.
Q5. Does bariatric surgery cure diabetes?
In many cases, type 2 diabetes goes into remission after bariatric surgery. Patients often reduce or stop insulin and medications post-surgery.
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