Pune, 23rd August 2023: A significant step towards combating obesity and its related health issues has been taken with the inauguration of the Bariatric Surgery Ward at Sassoon Hospital. The inauguration, graced by Hasan Mushrif, the Minister of Medical Education and Special Assistance of the Government of Maharashtra, marks a pivotal moment in the healthcare landscape of the state. The dedicated Bariatric Surgery Ward, located on the fourth floor of the new building, boasts a capacity of 10 beds and signifies the commitment of Sassoon Hospital to tackling obesity and its associated challenges head-on.
What sets Sassoon Hospital apart is its distinction as the sole government healthcare institution in Maharashtra to house a specialized Bariatric Surgery Ward. One of the most remarkable aspects of this initiative is that all bariatric surgeries conducted at Sassoon Hospital are provided completely free of charge, underscoring the hospital’s commitment to ensuring accessible and quality healthcare for all. Dr. Sanjeev Thakur, a renowned bariatric surgeon and the dean of the hospital, leads the surgical team, making him a trailblazer in performing bariatric surgeries within a government hospital.
The origins of the Bariatric Surgery Ward can be traced back to the Government of Maharashtra’s extensive awareness and treatment campaign initiated on March 4, 2023, across the state. This campaign served as the driving force behind the establishment of the dedicated ward, offering a much-needed solution for individuals grappling with obesity-related health conditions. Dr. Sanjeev Thakur, echoing the sentiments of many healthcare professionals, has extended a heartfelt appeal to the citizens of Maharashtra to take advantage of this invaluable facility, which stands as a beacon of hope for those seeking effective treatments for obesity.
During his visit to the newly inaugurated ward, Minister Hasan Mushrif displayed a deep and genuine interest in the well-being of the patients receiving care. The Minister found inspiration in the success stories of patients who, despite weighing between 100 to 160 kg, have undergone transformative surgeries within the department. The provision of free medications, along with the positive feedback from patients towards both the hospital and its dedicated medical staff—particularly Dr. Sanjeev Thakur and Dr. Ameya Thakur—drew commendation from the Minister.
In addition to lauding the patient-centric approach of the hospital, Minister Hasan Mushrif commended the commendable performance of Sassoon Hospital under the government’s obesity awareness and treatment campaign. What stands out is Dr. Sanjeev Thakur’s unwavering commitment to his dual roles as both the hospital’s dean and an actively practicing surgeon. Despite his administrative responsibilities, Dr. Thakur personally engages in surgical procedures on a daily basis, a testament to his dedication and passion for providing high-quality patient care.
The inaugural event was graced by the presence of several distinguished figures in the medical field, including Dr. Ajay Chandanwale, the Director of Medical Education & Research, Mumbai, along with Dr. Shekhar Pradhan, Dr. Aarti Kinikar, Dr. Sunil Bhamre, and Dr. Sujit Divare, all esteemed medical professionals who contribute to the hospital’s mission of delivering exceptional healthcare services.
