The Ministry of Health and Prevention, MoHAP, has issued a warning against cases of malpractice impacting patients in some medical centres and clinics that do not comply with the official health regulations.

Dr. Amin Hussein Al Amiri, Assistant Under-Secretary for Public Health Policy and Licensing at the ministry, said, "Most of these procedures are being conducted by non-specialised professionals with no medical background who use poor-quality cosmetic products and operate in environments that lack hygiene and proper sterilisation and do not offer access to emergency care in case of complication that could be in the form of burns, fainting, fatigue and other health complications that occur with unlicenced practitioners. This is happening outside the licenced health institutions in the UAE.

"Some beauty centres outside the licenced health institutions may temporarily employ visiting doctors or cosmeticians who bring in low-quality cosmetics and conceal patient medical reports. This sort of malpractice is a criminal offence and is deemed punishable by law," he warned.

Dr. Al Amiri also mentioned popular procedures such as Botox and fillers, in addition to other unmonitored uses of laser procedures. He noted that some fitness centres sell and promote supplements that claim to achieve enhanced muscle structure, under the supervision of trainers who lack experience and are unaware of the risks borne by these products, its source, quality, and licensing status.

"This can lead to a number of complications that affect the liver and kidneys. We have noticed an increasing number of hospitalisations as a result of consuming these medications, and mainly the injectable hormones. The ministry works in co-operation with different municipalities to monitor these nutritional substances being sold to young people and bodybuilders," he added.

Dr. Al Amiri explained that the ministry has worked to implement a strict framework for better control over medical practices. The Article 4 of the decree stipulates that the doctor must follow the rules, regulations and procedures for practising the profession according to his degree and field of specialisation; record the health status of the patient and his/her personal and family history prior to initiating diagnosis and treatment; and use the necessary diagnostic and medical devices in the diagnosis and treatment of patients with all due diligence and according to the accepted scientific principles, and explain the various treatment options to patients.

Dr. Al Amiri informed that the Empowerment and Health Compliance Department has appointed a specialised team to conduct regular inspections of all medical facilities to ensure full compliance with the requirements and regulations. When instances of malpractice are uncovered, security authorities conduct seizures, with violators transferred to the appropriate judicial authority. The erring establishment may also be closed.

He further requested patients seeking cosmetic treatments to consult professionals in licenced establishments, to protect their health and save their money.

Community members can get in touch with the department by using the toll-free number 80011111, via the Tamenni Portal, or by contacting the police, the ministry said.