A recent national survey conducted by the Obesity Surgery Society of India (OSSI) has uncovered significant insurance-related obstacles that are preventing patients with obesity from receiving timely medical care. The research, led by prominent bariatric surgeon Dr Aparna Govil Bhasker, highlights critical gaps in India's healthcare system that disproportionately affect individuals struggling with obesity.
Survey Reveals Systemic Insurance Challenges
The comprehensive study was spearheaded by Dr Aparna Govil Bhasker, a respected Bariatric and Metabolic Surgeon at Mumbai's Saifee Hospital. She collaborated with senior surgeons from multiple institutions across the country to assess the landscape of obesity care in India. Their findings point to insurance protocols as a major barrier to effective treatment.
According to the survey results, many health insurance policies in India either completely exclude obesity treatment or impose such stringent conditions that patients cannot access necessary care. This creates a situation where individuals who need medical intervention for obesity-related health issues face financial barriers that delay or prevent treatment altogether.
Impact on Patient Care and Treatment Timelines
The research emphasizes that these insurance hurdles have direct consequences on patient health outcomes. Delayed care often leads to worsening of obesity-related conditions such as diabetes, hypertension, and cardiovascular diseases. The survey findings suggest that many patients are forced to postpone or abandon treatment due to financial constraints caused by insurance limitations.
Medical professionals involved in the study noted that the insurance industry's approach to obesity treatment fails to recognize it as a serious medical condition requiring comprehensive care. Instead, many policies treat obesity as a cosmetic or lifestyle issue rather than a chronic disease that demands medical intervention.
Call for Policy Reform and Better Coverage
The OSSI survey, published on November 25, 2025, represents a significant step toward addressing these systemic issues. Dr Bhasker and her colleagues are advocating for policy changes that would require insurance providers to cover evidence-based obesity treatments, including bariatric surgery and medical management.
The research team emphasizes that improving insurance coverage for obesity care would not only benefit patients but could also reduce long-term healthcare costs by preventing obesity-related complications. They recommend that insurance regulators and healthcare policymakers work together to develop comprehensive coverage guidelines that address the specific needs of patients with obesity.
As India continues to grapple with rising obesity rates, this survey serves as a crucial wake-up call about the importance of removing insurance barriers to ensure all patients can access the timely, appropriate care they need.
