Underprivileged women to get breast implant surgery for free in Tamil Nadu

Is this justified? Photo Courtesy: YouTube

Healthcare in India is one department that needs some serious intervention. For instance, the cost of medicines needs to be regulated, treatment costs of various procedures need to be evaluated, and Government hospitals need better facilities. All in all, serious action needs to be taken when it comes to health benefits in the country. But, instead of focusing on all the relevant concerns, Tamil Nadu health department has launched a free breast implant surgery for poor women. Yup, you read that right. Not maternity care, but boob jobs are what women in the state need! Really?

Thousands of poor women in Tamil Nadu have been offered free cosmetic breast surgery, including implants. According to a report published in the Times of India, the state health department launched a free cosmetic surgery clinic at Government Stanley Medical College and Hospital.

"Why should beauty treatment not be available to the poor? If we don't offer they may opt for dangerous methods or take huge loans for it," said asked health minister C Vijaya Baskar.

Obviously this led to a public outcry. People stated that the government should get their priorities straight and should focus on basic healthcare facilities. Some took to Twitter to share their disappointment.

Why would poor people look for Breast Implant ? Tell me why ?

— BiryaniGuy ???? (@BiryaniGuy) February 25, 2018

Roti , cupbra aur makaan

— Jithendra (@hydbadshah) February 25, 2018

"Poor" people in the mood for breast implant ?

— KC Lee (@YNWA_Sgp) February 23, 2018

Cosmetic breast surgery is becoming increasingly popular in India, but private hospitals charge anywhere between $2,300 and $3,800 for the procedure, reports NDTV.

However, there's a bigger picture that most people are unable to see. V Ramadevi, who heads the clinic at Stanley Medical College and Hospital, told AFP that "some women want such surgery because they face psychological issues that may severely impact their lives".

"Their career, (their) marriage are derailed because they are taunted and their confidence is shattered," she said.

While this is welcome step for those women who have got their breasts removed or damaged due to cancer, fire, or any other accidents.

The same for pure cosmetic purpose in a govt hospital is a misplaced priority at the tax payers liability.

The govt should clarify on this.

— Sridhar (@Sridhar_Ren) February 22, 2018

Now, this is indeed something worth pondering over. What do you think?