Indira Gandhi Memorial Hospital (IGMH) has officially begun performing bariatric surgeries, marking a significant expansion of its specialized medical services for patients struggling with severe obesity.

Male’ City Group of Hospitals (MCGH) CEO Ibrahim Haleem confirmed the development in a social media announcement on Monday night.

He noted that bariatric surgery which works by modifying the digestive system or nutrient absorption can help reduce the need for additional treatments for several obesity-related health conditions.

These include Type 2 diabetes, hypertension, high cholesterol, certain cardiac issues, and specific forms of cancer.

Haleem highlighted that the introduction of the service is expected to support improvements in patients’ overall health and wellbeing.

He added that the achievement follows extensive preparation by the hospital’s surgery department, made possible through the combined efforts of multiple teams and professionals.

Bariatric surgery was first introduced in the Maldives five years ago by ADK Hospital, making IGMH the second major facility in the country to offer the procedure.