The state of Santa Catarina, Brazil, saw a 550% increase in publicly funded bariatric surgeries performed in 2025 compared to 2022, according to data released by the State Health Department (SES).
A total of 2,228 bariatric procedures were carried out in the public health system last year, a significant jump from the 343 surgeries recorded in 2022. The increase reflects a concerted effort by SES to expand hospital assistance across the state, addressing a growing public health concern related to obesity and chronic diseases.
The expansion of the bariatric surgery program began in 2023, with 3,815 surgeries performed over the past two years, ensuring coverage in all regions of Santa Catarina. SES broadened the network of accredited hospitals, increasing the number of participating facilities from six in 2022 to nine in 2025. This expansion was facilitated by the “Programa de Valorização dos Hospitais,” a state initiative designed to strengthen the public hospital network.
Hospital Dom Joaquim, located in Sombrio, emerged as the leading center for bariatric surgery within the public system. After joining the network in April 2024, the hospital performed 281 procedures before the finish of the year and a further 1,337 surgeries in 2025. Other key hospitals contributing to the increase include facilities in Joinville, Joaçaba, and Blumenau, which collectively performed 552, 546, and 490 procedures, respectively.
State Secretary of Health, Diogo Demarchi, emphasized that surgery is considered a last resort, and that multidisciplinary teams work with patients before procedures are scheduled. “We managed to bring new hospitals, which were previously private, to reinforce the public network and accelerate bariatric surgeries,” Demarchi stated.
The growth in bariatric surgeries was also evident in the years preceding 2025, with 410 procedures performed in 2023 and 834 in 2024. The program is intended to address the impact of obesity on quality of life, and to combat related chronic illnesses. Dr. Rui Celso Vieira, a general surgeon, has described bariatric surgery as an efficient alternative in these cases.
As of February 16, 2026, SES has not announced any further expansion plans for the bariatric surgery program beyond the current network of nine hospitals.
