While the move has faced flak on social media, state government authorities defend the move, saying that women who aren't happy with their looks opt for dangerous 'self-surgeries'
The Tamil Nadu health department on Wednesday launched a free clinic to conduct breast reconstruction surgery for those who want to alter their breast size, a decision that has been slammed on social media, as the department would only organize such clinics for breast cancer survivors.
According to an Indian Express report, the free clinic is being done by the government-run Stanley Medical College and Hospital.
Health officials said the move was to ensure that the underprivileged women get access to such beauty surgeries. “Nearly 80% of breast cancer patients in the country undergo mastectomy while the remaining undergo breast conservation surgeries with poor cosmetic results,” Dr C B Koppiker told The Indian Express last year.
While speaking to UK's The Guardian, state health minister C Vijaya Bhaskar said, "“If we don’t offer (the procedure for free), they may opt for dangerous methods or take huge loans for it,” said C Vijaya Baskar, the state health minister.
The head of plastic surgery at the clinic, Dr V Ramadevi, also spoke to the UK daily, saying that some of her patients sought breast reduction to alleviate shoulder and back pain, while others sought to augment or shrink their breasts for a boost in confidence.
However, people on social media have slammed the move, stating that governments need to ensure people need basic essentials i.e. food clothing and shelter, but the government’s move to promote free breast reconstruction surgery.
Apart from providing breast implants, the clinic will also allow cleft lip surgeries for children, hand transplant and treat other serious injuries. The move also invited criticism from certain quarters as the government was accused of spending funds on cosmetic surgeries instead of using it for life-saving treatment.
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 "Earlier, free reconstruction surgeries were given to breast cancer survivors")
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