Raj Palaniappan

Director & Chief Surgeon at Institute of Bariatrics, Apollo Hospitals. Leading SILS & Robotic Bariatric Surgeon and mentor in India.

[Raj Palaniappan @drnpraj]

Chennai’s decline as a premier aviation hub is not an accident—it is the predictable outcome of bureaucratic paralysis, political short-sightedness, indecisive leadership, and years of institutional neglect. While competing cities race ahead with bold infrastructure investments, Chennai continues to lose routes, passengers, and economic opportunities. Every delay in expanding airport capacity costs Tamil Nadu jobs, tourism, trade, and global investment. This bureaucratic mess and political folly have placed the state’s long-term growth at risk. Those entrusted with planning and executing critical infrastructure must be subjected to transparent performance reviews, fixed accountability, and meaningful consequences for avoidable failures. Tamil Nadu deserves visionary governance, efficient execution, and infrastructure that matches its economic potential—not endless delays, excuses, and missed opportunities..
#reclaimlife
#docraj

[Raj Palaniappan @drnpraj]

Happy Doctors’ Day

To the heroes who remain unapologetically the backbone of India’s healthcare—
You continue to heal, innovate, and inspire—even when support falls short.
Today, we celebrate your resilience, your sacrifice, and the extraordinary difference you make every single day.
Here’s to you.

#DoctorsDay
#Reclaimlife
#docraj

[Raj Palaniappan @drnpraj]

Delighted to be part of the launch of an Apollo clinical book series covering six major lifestyle diseases. I am especially proud to have contributed to the volume on Obesity, an area that continues to be a significant global health challenge.
My sincere thanks to the management for the initiative by bringing together experts from across disciplines. The occasion was made even more special by the launch being graced by our visionary Chairman, alongside the Vice Chairman and Managing Director.
Honoured to contribute to this meaningful educational resource and be part of such an inspiring team.
#apollohospitals
#apolloknowledge
#reclaimlife
#docraj
#barosurgery

[Raj Palaniappan @drnpraj]

It was a privilege to deliver a lecture on the use of Indocyanine Green (ICG) in Bariatric surgery at TECHNOSURG. The session was very well received, reflecting the growing interest in fluorescence-guided surgery. The conference stood out as a thoughtfully curated one, seamlessly blending scientific depth and innovative approach through smart organization.
#reclaimlife
#docraj
#barosurgery

[Raj Palaniappan @drnpraj]

onnectivity and passenger experience.
Chennai-bound flights are routinely pushed to transit buses instead of aero-bridges, even at some of the country’s biggest airports. Add to that delayed gate announcements, frequent last-minute gate changes, and poorly maintained boarding areas — the passenger experience feels consistently compromised.
What’s equally concerning is the overwhelming dominance of budget carriers on Chennai routes, with very limited full-service flying options and weak international direct connectivity compared to other major metros.
One can only hope this is operational inefficiency — and not Chennai being systematically deprioritised because the airport hasn’t been handed over to private management.
POINT TO PONDER.
#reclaimlife
#chennaiflights
#flying isbirthright

[Raj Palaniappan @drnpraj]

https://t.co/Xl1eSvLBu2

Cancelling NEET nationwide for malpractice limited to a few regions is peak administrative failure. Why punish lakhs of honest students and parents who sacrificed years, endured immense stress, and finally finished the exam? Instead of fixing accountability and punishing the culprits, the system takes the easiest route — force a re-exam on innocent aspirants. Heads responsible for this mess must roll, not the future of students. Ridiculous and unacceptable.
#JusticeForNEETAspirants
#reclaimlife
#docraj

[Raj Palaniappan @drnpraj]

https://t.co/rPUyE2DdnJ

As a medical professional, I call for urgent correction of the recent judgment extending medical negligence liability to legal heirs. This unjustly targets innocent families for clinical decisions they neither made nor controlled, violating basic fairness and constitutional safeguards. The clinical judgment exercised by doctors are their own and cannot, in law, equity, or common sense, be attributed to their spouse, children, or parents. If unaddressed, it will force severe chilling effect on medical practice and healthcare delivery. It demands immediate legislative intervention, a review of implementation, and a transparent stakeholder consultation. Protect patients—but not by punishing families. Justice must be balanced, humane, and constitutional. It needs immediate action to safeguard the future of healthcare in India.
#reclaimlife
#docraj
#barosurgery

[Raj Palaniappan @drnpraj]

Tamil Nadu’s fate for the next five years will be decided today. Despite worrying trends, hope clarity prevails and those who built its progress are rewarded.
#tnelections
#tamil
#reclaimlife

[Raj Palaniappan @drnpraj]

The ARIS 2026 International Robotic Conference was an electrifying, high-intensity experience packed with purpose and precision. From conducting the FARIS fellowship examinations to moderating two dynamic panel discussions, every moment demanded focus. Delivering three lectures, chairing two scientific sessions, and actively contributing to executive committee meetings kept the momentum relentless. Spearheading the convocation added a proud, emotional culmination to the journey. The schedule was undeniably exhaustive, but equally fulfilling—surrounded by global experts, cutting-edge ideas, and the shared vision of advancing robotic surgery to its next frontier.
#reclaimlife
#docraj
#barosurgery
#roboticsurgery

[Raj Palaniappan @drnpraj]

Our gang of 26 from SLAM Nungambakkam headed out for a super fun trek to Nagalapuram Aare Waterfalls—and it was just the reset we needed. The hike to the two falls was packed with laughs, splashes, and those “wow” moments where nature hits differently. Sitting by the waterfalls, letting the cool water and silence sink in, felt like pure therapy—until the crowd slowly caught up. No phones, no rush—just us and the wild. We wrapped it up with amazing local Andhra food—tired, happy, and recharged. A perfect escape just two hours from Chennai.
#reclaimlife
#docraj
#barosurgery

[Raj Palaniappan @drnpraj]

I urge the incoming government to thoughtfully reintroduce political engagement in colleges and universities. Depoliticised campuses have produced a generation less aware of Dravidian ideology, its struggles, and its role in building a more equitable Tamil society. It’s painful to see many drift into uncritical, cult-like followings without understanding how this can erode the very social fabric we built. Students deserve informed exposure to ideas, so they can critically choose their beliefs.
#reclaimlife
#docraj

[Raj Palaniappan @drnpraj]

I’m proud of Tamil Nadu for an exceptional ~85% voter turnout—perhaps one of the highest for a single-day poll for a large state. Such participation reflects strong democratic spirit and civic responsibility. Whether driven by SIR, public sentiment, anti-incumbency, or broader political awareness, the message is clear: tamil people care deeply about their future. I salute my fellows for showing up in such inspiring numbers.
#reclaimlife
#docraj

[Raj Palaniappan @drnpraj]

After a spirited morning with some gyming, did cast my VOTE—because emotions aside, responsibility comes first. Every vote counts—so I made mine matter.
#reclaimlife
#docraj

[Raj Palaniappan @drnpraj]

https://t.co/PMF8Kuxxyk

I strongly endorse the Ministry’s initiative to regulate and streamline obesity management, particularly given the rapidly expanding use of pharmacotherapy. However, the current prescription framework is fundamentally flawed and lacks a sound scientific foundation.
The most critical concern is the exclusion of bariatric surgeons and physicians—arguably the most qualified stakeholders in obesity care. Bariatric surgery as a specialty has led evidence-based weight management for over three decades, long before the advent of GLP-1–based therapies. It is this field that has consistently delivered the most durable outcomes and has defined much of the scientific understanding of metabolic disease, obesity-related complications, nutritional deficiencies, and long-term follow-up care. Importantly, bariatric specialists have also played a pivotal role in educating and guiding the broader medical community on the principles of obesity management and its complexities.
In contrast, the expansion of obesity care within endocrinology and internal medicine has largely paralleled the introduction of GLP-1 therapies. While their contribution is valuable and necessary, it does not justify the exclusion of established experts who bring deeper, longitudinal, and procedural insight into this disease.
Such a selective and exclusionary approach raises serious concerns about scientific validity, policy transparency, and the possibility of vested interests influencing clinical decision-making. Obesity is a chronic, complex, and multidisciplinary disease, and restricting its management to a narrow group of prescribers risks compromising patient safety and outcomes.
It is imperative that the Ministry urgently revisits and corrects these guidelines to ensure they are inclusive, evidence-driven, and aligned with real-world clinical expertise. Failure to do so risks undermining scientific integrity and delivering suboptimal care at a national level.
#obesitymedicines
#weightloss
#glp1
#reclaimlife
#barosurgery

[Raj Palaniappan @drnpraj]

I strongly endorse the Ministry’s initiative to regulate and streamline obesity management, particularly given the rapidly expanding use of pharmacotherapy. However, the current prescription framework is fundamentally flawed and lacks a sound scientific foundation.
The most critical concern is the exclusion of bariatric surgeons and physicians—arguably the most qualified stakeholders in obesity care. Bariatric surgery as a specialty has led evidence-based weight management for over three decades, long before the advent of GLP-1–based therapies. It is this field that has consistently delivered the most durable outcomes and has defined much of the scientific understanding of metabolic disease, obesity-related complications, nutritional deficiencies, and long-term follow-up care. Importantly, bariatric specialists have also played a pivotal role in educating and guiding the broader medical community on the principles of obesity management and its complexities.
In contrast, the expansion of obesity care within endocrinology and internal medicine has largely paralleled the introduction of GLP-1 therapies. While their contribution is valuable and necessary, it does not justify the exclusion of established experts who bring deeper, longitudinal, and procedural insight into this disease.
Such a selective and exclusionary approach raises serious concerns about scientific validity, policy transparency, and the possibility of vested interests influencing clinical decision-making. Obesity is a chronic, complex, and multidisciplinary disease, and restricting its management to a narrow group of prescribers risks compromising patient safety and outcomes.
It is imperative that the Ministry urgently revisits and corrects these guidelines to ensure they are inclusive, evidence-driven, and aligned with real-world clinical expertise. Failure to do so risks undermining scientific integrity and delivering suboptimal care at a national level.
#reclaimlife
#barosurgery
#PMOIndia

[Raj Palaniappan @drnpraj]

Another successful Laparoscopic Bariatric Surgery Course at IRCAD India, with 15 delegates from India, Sri Lanka, and the Middle East. The program combined focused online lectures, insightful panel discussions, and two days of intensive wet lab training covering Sleeve, OAGB, and RYGB, along with a highly engaging “Meet the Experts” session to learn practical tips and nuances. We were
able to demonstrate 8 live lap and robotic bariatric and metabolic surgeries, enriching the learning experience. The delegates’ heartfelt appreciation for the structure and dedication of this three-day course was truly motivating. Special thanks to Mohit and IRCAD for creating an outstanding infrastructure and providing abundant resources, making IRCAD an ideal training destination.
#ircadindia
#reclaimlife
#barosurgery
#docraj
#bariatrictraining

[Raj Palaniappan @drnpraj]

This is what hard work looks like—showing up regularly, staying disciplined, pushing limits, and choosing consistency over comfort. Progress is happening, but the journey is far from over.
#reclaimlife
#docraj
#barosurgery

[Raj Palaniappan @drnpraj]

India’s out-of-pocket healthcare spending decreased from 72% to 44% in two decades which is a positive trend. However, it remains far above the global average of ~17%. This indicates that nearly half of healthcare costs are still paid directly by households, reflecting inadequate financial protection.

Key issues include:
- Low public health spending (~2–2.5% of GDP) which is around 6-10% in developed countries.
- Limited insurance penetration (45-55% including public and private schemes).
- Poor insurance approvals which accounts for 11% rejection rates and only 71% settlement of claim value.
- Heavy reliance on private healthcare, which provides most outpatient (70%) and inpatient ( 60%) services.

Government schemes such as Ayushman Bharat have improved coverage, but mainly for hospitalization which doesn’t cover outpatient services that accounts for 60-70% of all healthcare spends.

Public healthcare limitations include:
• Overburdened government hospitals
• Limited access in rural areas
• Infrastructure gaps

Private healthcare is often:
• Faster
• More accessible
• Better equipped

Overall, India’s healthcare challenge is high household financial burden and is a major cause of distress and bankruptcy.

To reduce catastrophic medical expenses, the way forward will be:
- To Increase public healthcare spending and target: 4–5% of GDP
- Expand universal health coverage
- Strengthen schemes like Ayushman Bharat.
- Cover outpatient care
- Strengthen primary care.
- Promote Preventive healthcare which reduces hospitalization costs.
- Regulate private sector pricing and settlement ratings.

#reclainlife #barosurgery #docraj #healthyindia #preventivehealthcare

[Raj Palaniappan @drnpraj]

It was a privilege to contribute to OSSICON 2026, sharing clinical experience and perspectives in bariatric surgery with colleagues and young surgeons. Such platforms reinforce our collective commitment to advancing bariatric and metabolic surgery through education, collaboration, and evidence-based practice. I feel honored to continue serving in the eeecutive committee for the last 14 years and as the convener of the National Bariatric Fellowship for eight consecutive years, mentoring the next generation of surgeons. Delivering five lectures, moderating five panel discussions, and conducting two exams was exhausting, yet truly satisfying. I am also proud of my team for their outstanding contributions through multiple lectures, debates, and presentations during four days of rich scientific exchange, reflecting our shared dedication to improving patient outcomes.
#reclaimlife
#barosurgery
#docraj