Dr. Muffazal Lakdawala: A Pioneer in Wellness
About Dr. Muffazal Lakdawala
Dr. Muffazal Lakdawala is a globally renowned laparoscopic GI and bariatric surgeon, dedicated to combating obesity and advancing minimal access surgery. With over two decades of experience, he has transformed countless lives through innovative surgical techniques, medical research, and philanthropic initiatives.
Education & Training
- Master’s in Surgery – University of Mumbai
- Fellowship in Bariatric Surgery – Cleveland Clinic, USA
- Fellowship in Gastro Surgery – University of Ghent Hospital, Belgium
- Advanced Laparoscopic Colorectal Surgery – Seoul, South Korea
- Executive Program in Artificial Intelligence in Healthcare – MIT, Sloan School of Management (2020)
- Robotics Training – Completed in 2024
- Master’s in BioDesign – Currently pursuing at Stanford
Currently, Dr. Lakdawala serves as the Director of General and Minimal Access Surgical Sciences at Sir H.N. Reliance Foundation Hospital and Research Center, Mumbai. He is also the co-founder and Chief Surgeon at Digestive Health Institute, a leading center for Bariatric, Metabolic, and Gastro-Intestinal surgeries in India and the Middle East.
A Leader in Bariatric & GI Surgery
- Over 70,000 laparoscopic surgeries performed globally
- First Indian surgeon to perform a fully robotic Gastric Bypass using the Da Vinci Xi Robotic System
- Pioneer in Single Incision Laparoscopic Surgery (SILS), holding the largest number of SILS bariatric surgeries worldwide
- Performed surgery on several eminent personalities across literature, media, social service, and government
- Honorary Surgeon to the Vice President of India, Mr. Venkaiah Naidu
Philanthropy & Social Impact
- Annual free surgical camps in Maharashtra, Rajasthan, and Punjab, providing over ₹12.4 crore worth of free surgeries to underprivileged patients
- Conducted a free surgical camp in Srinagar, Kashmir (2019) under trying security conditions
- Provides pro bono surgeries for Mumbai Police and Mumbai Customs personnel
- Founded JANTA-OPD, offering free medical consultations for the underprivileged
COVID-19 Response & Leadership
During the pandemic, Dr. Lakdawala played a pivotal role in India’s healthcare response:
- Led the setup of NSCI COVID Hospital, Mumbai’s first field hospital, treating over 10,000 patients
- Introduced India’s first contactless clinic model, reducing transmission risks for healthcare workers
- Conceptualized portable, container ICUs, providing intensive care remotely
- Served as Honorary Advisor to the BMC for COVID-19 Jumbo Facilities
Awards & Accolades
Dr. Lakdawala’s groundbreaking work has earned him numerous prestigious awards, including:
- World Champion Amongst Bariatric Surgeons – IFSO (2022, Miami)
- Best Surgeon in the World – ASMBS (2019, Las Vegas)
- World Educator Award – IFSO (2019, Barcelona)
- Lokmat Maharashtrian of the Year (Medicine) (2017)
- Bharat Icon Award – Best Obesity Surgeon (2016)
- Bravery Award as a COVID Warrior – Rotary Club of Bombay (2020)
- Honorary Fellowships – Japanese, Korean, Chinese, Saudi Arabian, and Philippine Societies of Surgery
Research & Publications
Contact & Social Media
- Email: drmuffi@thedigestive.in
- Website: Digestive Health Institute
- LinkedIn: Dr. Muffazal Lakdawala
- Twitter: @DrMuffi
- Instagram: @DrMuffi
- Facebook: Dr. Muffazal Lakdawala