Surgical Review Corporation (SRC), an independent, nonprofit organization that advances the safety, efficacy and efficiency of bariatric and metabolic surgery, today announced the first International Center of Excellence for Bariatric Surgery™ (ICE™) designees in India: Max Institute of Minimal Access, Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery (MAMBS) in New Delhi and Saifee Hospital Minimal Access Center of Excellence (MACE) in Mumbai. These providers successfully met the ICE program's comprehensive requirements, and completed a rigorous review and site inspection process.

The ICE designation, awarded at the same time to the hospital and individual surgeons, was achieved by Max Institute of MAMBS and its director, Dr. Pradeep Chowbey. Dr. Chowbey, who is the honorary laparoscopic surgeon to the President of India and surgeon to the Dalai Lama, is listed in the Guinness and Limca Book of Records for performing the most laparoscopic surgeries (more than 50,000). He is also the President of the IFSO Asia-Pacific Chapter and the Asia-Pacific Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery Society. Under his leadership, the Institute has contributed to industry best practices and conducted minimal access and bariatric training to more than 2,500 Indian and international surgeons.

"Earning ICE designation confirms our commitment to bariatric surgery and ability to consistently deliver the highest standard of care possible," said Dr. Chowbey. "We are excited to join the best in our specialty and earn recognition in this important center of excellence program."

Saifee Hospital and Drs. Muffazal Lakdawala and Aparna G. Bhasker also earned ICE designation. Saifee Hospital is reputed for its commitment to providing safe, high-quality and affordable healthcare for patients in India and from around the world. Dr. Lakdawala, who serves as Vice President of the Obesity Surgery Society of India and Chairman of IFSO's Position Statement Committee, has provided bariatric care to more than 1,000 patients and established new guidelines for bariatric and metabolic surgery that are specific to the Asian genotype. Dr. Bhasker is the youngest female bariatric surgeon from Asia to lead an all-woman clinic in Mumbai and is recognized for performing the largest series of single-incision bariatric procedures in Asia.

"Receiving this important distinction is a remarkable achievement and a testimony to the hard work and dedication of our bariatric team and Saifee Hospital," said Dr. Lakdawala. "Achieving ICE designation strengthens our department's visibility across the globe and will be instrumental in showcasing the excellent bariatric and metabolic work being performed in India."

SRC recognized its first ICE designees in 2009 after receiving numerous requests to implement a center of excellence program for surgeons and hospitals outside of the United States and Canada. The program ensures that the safest, highest quality of care is delivered to bariatric and metabolic surgery patients worldwide, regardless of where they choose to have their procedure performed. Leading bariatric surgeons in Latin America, Europe and Asia-Pacific govern the ICE program in their respective regions through the International Bariatric Surgery Review Committee (IBSRC).

"We are proud to acknowledge our first ICE designees in India," said Dr. Raul Rosenthal, Chairman of the IBSRC and a bariatric surgeon at Cleveland Clinic in Weston, Florida. "By earning designation, these providers join an elite group of surgeons and facilities committed to patient safety, care quality and the long-term health benefits of bariatric surgery. We value their dedication to excellence and welcome their important contributions to the specialty."

More than 1,100 surgeons and 600 hospitals and freestanding outpatient facilities worldwide currently participate in a center of excellence program that SRC administers. Through these programs, participants contribute valuable clinical data on various patient populations, interventions and care options that help advance industry best practices.

Surgeons and hospitals performing bariatric surgery around the world can initiate their involvement with the ICE program by registering on the SRC website.