Chennai hospital now offers breast alteration surgeries for free
In a unique move, Tamil Nadu has become possibly the world's first state to offer free breast alteration surgeries for both men and women. The government-funded Stanley Medical College and Hospital (Chennai) has been conducting such procedures for cancer victims, but they're now extending services to non-patients too. "Why should beauty treatment not be available to the poor?" asked health minister C Vijaya Baskar.
Breast-alteration, which has grown in demand, costs over Rs. 80,000
Along with a rise in Indians' wealth, the demand for cosmetic surgery has also grown. The popularity of breast alteration has increased too, especially among men. According to the International Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery, there were 14,650 such surgeries performed on men in 2010, up to 25,640 in 2016. BBC reports such surgeries could cost over Rs. 80,000 in private hospitals.
Chennai hospital now offers three related surgeries for those interested
The Chennai hospital will now be offering three procedures: breast reconstruction for cancer patients; reduction for those desiring smaller breasts; and augmentation for those wanting bigger breasts. Women with large breasts commonly suffer from shoulder pains and fungal infection, Dr V Rama Devi explained. However, those wanting breast augmentation will have to pay for implants since such procedures were generally due to "psychological problems."
Officials to talk to health insurance provider for funds
All patients would be medically examined before being approved for a free surgery, Dr Devi said. The plastic surgery unit at the hospital expects to receive as many as 100 patients a month for breast reconstruction. For now, the money would be provided by the state, but officials will be talking to United India, the state health insurance provider, for funds.
'Not an ideal health program, funds needed for diseases'
The scheme has faced criticism too. "It sounds populist, but it isn't an ideal health program. State funds are required for emerging diseases," said former public health director Dr S Elango. "It is sad that we're now focusing on beauty instead of life-saving surgeries." Apart from breast alteration surgeries, the hospital would also be providing free cleft lip surgeries and hand transplants, among others.
