Bariatric Surgery Services Launched at IGMH and Dharumavantha Hospital

Dharumavantha Hospital and Indira Gandhi Memorial Hospital (IGMH) have begun offering bariatric surgery to support long-term weight loss.

The procedure, which alters the size and function of the stomach to support weight reduction, is widely recognised as an effective intervention for people struggling with obesity. According to medical professionals, bariatric surgery can also contribute to improvements in mental well-being and self-confidence.

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IGMH Chief Executive Officer, Ibrahim Abdul Razzaq Haleem, said the introduction of the service is expected to reduce the need for treatment of several non-communicable diseases often associated with obesity. These include type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, heart disease and certain forms of cancer.

He said the service offers renewed hope for patients who have long relied on medication for chronic conditions linked to obesity. Dr Haleem added that the Surgery Department had been working for years to introduce bariatric services at a government hospital, crediting the achievement to the collective efforts of surgical consultants, anaesthesiologists, nurses, technical and clinical teams, as well as administrative and support staff.

He also highlighted the contribution of Dr Mohamed Waheed, recognised as the first bariatric surgeon in the Maldives, and welcomed the involvement of specialist Azna as part of the initiative.