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ADDRESS BY HIS EXCELLENCY DR.K.ROSAIAH, GOVERNOR OF TAMIL NADU AT THE INAUGURATION OF THE 3^RD INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE ‘ABSCON – 2012’ AT HOTEL HYATT REGENCY, CHENNAI ON  21.01.2012 AT 1200 NOON

It is a pleasure to inaugurate the 3^rd International – Apollo Bariatric Surgery Conference – ABSCON – 2012 organised by the Apollo Hospitals and address this distinguished gathering here today.

At the outset, I congratulate the Apollo Hospitals for its initiatives in organizing this Conference.  This is timely. Today Obesity has become a severe problem world wide and is spreading in all the countries like an epidemic.  USA, Mexico accounts to almost half of the World Obesity Population.  Obesity is the gateway to several illnesses like diabetes, hypertension, high cholesterol, Asthma, respiratory insufficiency, Cancer, Joint pains and as many as 53 other related diseases.

Organisation of Economic Corporation and Development studies published in LANCET, the British Journal has stated that, India is more prone to obesity epidemic.  Statistics reveal there is an increase in overweight or obese citizens by 20% between 1998 and 2005.  Presently one in 6 women and one in 5 men are overweight in India.  20% of youngsters in the age group of 14 to 18 in India are overweight or obese. Tamil Nadu has the third highest number of obese patients.

Research reveals that obesity is not a simple health problem. It can trigger to many diseases. One should have a fear and a sense to prevent such problems and should take up to exercise & yoga, shedding away the laziness. Change of lifestyle and food habits, lack of physical activity, high calorie food, Sedentary jobs, lead to obesity.  Physical exercise, yoga and meditation should be part of one’s daily schedule.  We need to create an awareness among the public and the people at large, especially on those who are on sedentary jobs, on the root causes which lead to obesity.  What is worrying is that statistics show prevalence of a very high incidence of obesity in Tamil Nadu when compared to other states.  Obesity has been labeled as a primary cause of many non communicable diseases (NCD). LANCET studies reveal that by 2030 the NCD’s will account for 70% of global deaths and 80% will occur in developing countries like India.

Modern laparoscopic techniques have led to advancements in Bariatric Surgery transforming major operation to key hole surgery.  Laparoscopic Bariatric Surgery is a milestone in the history of Medical Science and Technology.  Advancements in Medical Science have been amazing.  The Medical Fraternity should ensure proper early diagnosis, and ensure accurate advanced medical treatment and with cost effective without side effects. I am sure that ABSCON – 2012 would prove as a platform to share the experience and expertise to enhance knowledge on Bariatric Surgery.

Increase in the level of management of obese patients, coupled with multi-speciality approach should be planned.  Mere adoption of innovative technology will not suffice.  Hospitals should work on the modalities to develop and enhance the quality of management of obese patients. I am confident that ABSCON – 2012 will address the challenges and issues faced in the field of Bariatric Surgery and for enhancement of Quality healthcare for obese patients. I am glad that Division of Bariatric Surgery, Apollo Hospitals, Chennai, under the stewardship of Dr.Prasanna Kumar Reddy is conducting ABSCON – 2012 Conference for the first time in Chennai and is bringing in worldwide experts in Bariatric Surgery at one place to demonstrate their skills and interact with our experts.

I am confident that such an extra ordinary event will definitely bring awareness to Obesity Control Measures by different surgical modalities.  I am happy that this conference also brings our younger surgeons to learn their objectives. I congratulate Dr.Prasanna Kumar Reddy and the Department of Bariatric Surgery, Apollo Hospitals for taking the lead and for organizing ABSCON - 2012. I convey my warm felicitations to Dr.Prathap C Reddy, Chairman, Dr.Prasanna Kumar Reddy Apollo Hospitals and to all the participating delegates from India and abroad. I wish ABSCON – 2012 all success. My greetings to all of you.

Jai Hind.

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