Despite simple surgical cure, sleep apnea continues to take a toll on India's GDP
Feb 23, 2026
New Delhi [India], February 23: Untreated sleep apnea imposes a staggering macroeconomic toll, likely exceeding ₹2-3 lakh crore annually, was the emergent consensus on the sidelines of ISSS 2026. Chaired by Dr. Vikas Agrawal, widely considered 'the father of sleep surgery' in India, the conference emphasized that "sleep apnea is fully treatable," and that this GDP loss is salvageable if insurance could cover all modalities of sleep apnea surgery. Justice Chandrachud inaugurated the conference via VC. Also present were Padma Shri Milind Kirtane, Padma Shri Mohan Kameswaran, and Dr. Maria Suurna, President of the International Surgical Sleep Society.
