Baringo Senator Hon. Gideon Moi on Sunday launched a weight-loss surgery program at The M.P. Shah Hospital which seeks to offer weight loss solutions to obese patients.
Speaking during the event, the KANU Chairman lauded the move terming it an important step towards achievement of the government’s Big 4 agenda and the vision 2030.
“The Bariatric Surgery Program is a proactive move looking to the future of our country’s healthcare needs. As our economy improves, and household incomes begin to rise, the prevalence of non-communicable diseases such as obesity, diabetes and cardiovascular complications will also arise,” he said.
Bariatric surgery
The procedure is performed through laparoscopic means, involving four to five very tiny incisions in the abdomen and pelvic cavities.
As opposed to the traditional forms of surgery, the minimally invasive surgery ensures reduced pain and quicker return to normalcy without needing a large open incision. Afterward, patients have to adjust their lifestyles and stick with a diet that Dr. Raina said was sometimes difficult to change, but worth the effort.
WHO Report
Minimally invasive surgeries have become popular in developed countries especially with advancement in technology and high prevalence of weight-related illnesses around the globe.
A recent report by World Health Organisation (WHO) indicates that 640.9 million (12.8 per cent) of adults worldwide are obese, a health risk that can cause type 2 diabetes, certain types of cancer, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, heart disease and stroke.
The hospital performed their maiden bariatric surgery during the Laparoscopic Workshop which attracted an audience from diverse fields, including Dr. Manu Chandaria who was present during the opening ceremony.