MoH orders closure of unregistered aesthetic clinics in new measures

Health PS Mary Muthoni [PHOTO X]

The Ministry of Health has directed the Kenya Medical Practitioners and Dentist Council to immediately close all unregistered aesthetic clinics operating illegally in the country.

The directive follows a comprehensive assessment of aesthetic clinics and beauty spas in the country that are offering plastic surgery and invasive cosmetic procedures in the counties of Nairobi, Mombasa, Nakuru, and Eldoret.

Investigations were launched in November last year after the tragic loss of Lucy Wambui who died after allegedly undergoing cosmetic surgery.

''A total of 26 aesthetic clinics were assessed. 20 of them which represent about 77 per cent were found to be compliant with licensing and operational standards. Three facilities had applied for registration and were awaiting approval, while another three were operating illegally without registration,'' Public Health PS Mary Muthoni said in a statement.

Muthoni said the findings also found that out of the 102 Beauty spas inspected, 7 were found to be offering invasive procedures including micro-blading and micro-needling without proper registration or qualified personnel.

40 per cent of assessed facilities lacked essential emergency medical supplies, while 25% exhibited inadequate infection prevention and control measures.

“All facilities with inadequate Infection Prevention and control measures must comply with recommended standards within 30 days,” Muthoni said.

She added that facilities lacking emergency medical provisions must establish and equip emergency trays within 60 days.

“Facilities without Standard Operating Procedures, the PS said, must develop and implement them within 60 days to ensure safe and standard practices,” she added.

“All beauty and medical spas are prohibited from offering or advertising invasive medical procedures unless properly inspected, registered and licensed as per the norms and standards.”

PS Muthoni noted that the government is developing a comprehensive regulatory framework for invasive cosmetic procedures in beauty and medical spas to enhance public protection, safety and compliance.

“The Ministry of Health urges members of the public to seek cosmetic and paste surgery services only from onset and qualified practitioners to safeguard their health and well-being,” she noted.

“She said, beauty and medical spas are prohibited from offering or advertising invasive medical procedures unless properly registered and licensed."