Eman Ahmed’s case created obesity awareness, gave hope to many, say Mumbai doctors

According to the Obesity and Metabolic Surgery Society of India (OSSI), 15,000 bariatric surgeries were performed in the country in 2016

Eman Ahmed’s treatment in Mumbai created awareness about obesity and gave hope to those fighting similar battles, according to bariatric surgeons in the city.

Eman Ahmed(HT FILE)

Dr Aparna Govil Bhaskar, a bariatric surgeon at Global Hospital, Parel, who was the treating doctor for Eman, “Her fight against obesity created awareness among people, who never saw obesity as a life-threatening disorder. It definitely created global awareness.”

According to the Obesity and Metabolic Surgery Society of India (OSSI), 15,000 bariatric surgeries were performed in the country in 2016.

Dr Rajesh Khullar, director- Max Institute of Minimal Access, Metabolic & Bariatric Surgery, Delhi and president of OSSI, said, “Eman’s death shouldn’t affect the number of patients coming to India for treatment from foreign countries. Ten years ago, the surgery wasn’t even performed in the country. Now, there’s growing awareness about India as the epicentre of medical tourism for obesity management.”

Khullar said in recent times, they have witnessed a heavy inflow of patients coming from western, European and middle-Eastern countries owing to cost-effectiveness and expertise. “Obesity is the mother of all diseases and managing it means treating a number of life-threatening diseases related to cardiac, pulmonary and metabolic dysfunctions,” Dr Khullar said.

Dr Shashank Shah, a bariatric surgeon from Fortis Hospital, said, “People started identifying obesity as a major disease after Eman. The positive aspect of the case is how people from India and abroad donated large amounts for her transportation and treatment.”

According to Shah, a large section of Indian patients, too, need help. “I want to request the state government to create a pool of donors who can help patients from poor backgrounds,” said Dr Shah.