MEDICAL
BARIATRIC CLINIC OF THE YEAR IN THE ASIA-PACIFIC
PENANG WEIGHT LOSS CLINIC & SURGERY
As a treatment option for combating the spiraling obesity epidemic , two friends who were former colleagues at Taiping Hospital , Malaysia set up Penang Weight Loss Clinic & Surgery in late 2019 .
Dr Vimal K . Vasudeavan , a consultant general surgeon with a special interest in laparoscopic surgery , became a pioneer in bariatric surgery in northern Malaysia when he set up an Obesity Clinic at Taiping Hospital in 2007 . This was the first government hospital in the region offering a multidisciplinary approach to obesity management .
Dr Kirubakaran Malapan , who worked with Dr Vimal , completed his fellowship in breast and endocrine surgery and bariatric and metabolic surgery in Taiwan and was instrumental in setting up the Bariatric and Metabolic Surgery Unit at Hospital Raja Permaisuri Bainun Ipoh , Perak in 2014 . After serving almost 20 years with Malaysia ’ s Ministry of Health , both surgeons left government service and were reunited again in the private sector in Penang .
Combining their vast experience in general surgery and expertise of more than 20 years in managing people living with obesity ( PLWO ), they cofounded “ Penang Weight Loss Clinic & Surgery ”, a pioneering private ‘ One- Stop Medical Weight Management Centre in northern Malaysia that specialises in a multidisciplinary team approach for managing patients with obesity and their related medical conditions . The clinic manages patients from all over Malaysia and the Asia-Pacific region at its strategic
Dr Kiru and Dr Vimal
location in Penang , the top medical tourism destination in Malaysia .
Receiving the Bariatric Clinic of the Year in the Asia-Pacific Award reflects patients ’ satisfaction with good health outcomes and the services provided at the clinic . “ Patient-centered care is at the core of the services we provide to people living with obesity and their families . We understand the stigma and sensitivities associated with obesity and believe that delivering outstanding and compassionate patient care means treating the patient both individually and as a whole ,” said a company spokesperson .
The clinic ’ s key strength is a committed and focused multidisciplinary team of experts able to provide holistic care that is effective , safe , and world class with excellent outcomes . Every patient is assessed thoroughly , after which individually tailored management options are then prescribed that incorporate both non-surgical and surgical solutions .
Penang Weight Loss Clinic is credited with placing the first Elipse Gastric Balloon from Allurion in the Asia-Pacific region in May 2020 . This intragastric balloon is the world ’ s only non-surgical , non-anaesthetic , and non-endoscopic weight loss option . Both of the clinic ’ s experienced bariatric surgeons have successfully performed more than a few hundred bariatric procedures including revisional bariatric surgeries with safe and satisfactory outcomes .
To further raise its reputation for medical excellence , the clinic will continue to develop improved treatment protocols , collaborate with other leaders in the field , and share its message across the region as a premier international weight management centre . Despite the current COVID-19 pandemic , its patient numbers continue to rise , and in 2021 it will be forming its “ Weight Loss & Bariatric Support Group ” as well as reaching out to its patients via social media to remain relevant and support them during their weight loss journey . The clinic is also committed to advocating obesity awareness , overcoming stigma associated with PLWO , and educating people on the various available options .
“ We wish to reassure our patients that we ’ re here to serve them holistically and ensure they ’ ll receive the best care possible when they visit us in Penang ,” said the spokesperson . “ Together we can !!!”
18 2020 AWARDS SPECIAL GlobalHealthAsiaPacific . com