KUCHING, Feb 10: The Ministry of Health (MOH) is warning the public against seeking cosmetic procedures from unlicensed practitioners and facilities including unlicensed spas and beauty salons.
Medical Practice Division director Dr Mohd Azman Yacob issued this public warning after an article by a Malay news portal highlighting many beauty salons and medispas in the capital city of Kuala Lumpur actively promoting cosmetic procedures at discounted prices with some performed by so-called “foreign specialists”.
It was also reported that there were customers who suffered permanent disability or damage such as a crooked nose instead of improving their aesthetic appearance from the dodgy procedures.
“Avoid door-to-door services, spa/beauty salons, hotels and other dubious premises when seeking aesthetic medical treatments.
“Aesthetic medical procedures should only be performed by qualified registered medical practitioners at licensed or registered facilities,” he emphasised in a statement today in reminding the public to be more cautious when seeking aesthetic treatments.
Qualified registered medical practitioners, he stressed, are credentialed with the Letter of Credentialing and Privileging of Aesthetic Medical Practice (LCP) which list the procedures they are allowed to perform.
Dr Mohd Azman reiterated that only qualified registered medical practitioners are allowed to carry out cosmetic and plastic surgeries or medical-related procedures including rhinoplasty, alarplasty, liposuction, blepharoplasty, botox, filler injections, laser and high intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU), to name a few.
“These procedures can potentially cause health complications, disabilities and even death to customers if handled by unqualified individuals,” he said.
The names of the medical practitioners appear on the National Registry of Registered Medical Practitioners Practising Aesthetic Medical Practice on the MOH official portal at http://www.moh.gov.my/index.php/pages/view/2118.
Dr Mohd Azman also reminded the public that any medical-related procedures may only be performed at premises registered or licensed under the Private Healthcare Facilities and Services Act 1998 (Act 586). The list of such premises can be assessed via www.medicalprac.moh.gov.my.
Dr Mohd Azman gave assurance that MOH will continue to monitor and carry out enforcement activities on individuals who commit legal offences in health services in Malaysia, in collaboration with other relevant agencies like the Malaysian Medical Council, police, Immigration Department, Ministry of Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs (KPDNHEP) and others.
The public may also lodge complaints regarding aesthetic medical services in the country via email at amp@moh.gov.my or ckaps.aduan@moh.gov.my. — DayakDaily
