Minister Responds to Concerns on Unregulated Dermatology and Laser Treatments
New Delhi: The Union Minister of State for Health, Anupriya Patel, informed the Rajya Sabha that the National Medical Commission (NMC) has not received any complaints regarding unqualified or unregistered individuals performing aesthetic dermatology or laser-based treatments in the country. Her clarification came in response to questions raised by Parliament member Vivek K Tankha.
Queries Raised on Safety, Regulation and Possible Patient Harm
Tankha sought details on whether untrained persons were conducting aesthetic or laser procedures, whether such unregulated practices had caused harm or fatalities, and whether existing laws were sufficient to govern this sector. He also asked if the Government planned to introduce a central law or establish a dedicated regulatory body to ensure patient safety and ethical practice.
NMC Issued Safety Guidelines in 2022
Minister Patel highlighted that NMC had already issued Guidelines on Aesthetic Surgery and Hair Transplant Procedures on 20.09.2022 to ensure safe and ethical medical practice. The guidelines define the qualifications and training required for medical professionals undertaking such procedures. She reiterated that no complaints related to unqualified practitioners have been received so far.
EMRB Responsible for Ethical Oversight of Medical Professionals
The Minister added that the Ethics and Medical Registration Board (EMRB) under NMC regulates professional conduct and promotes medical ethics among registered medical professionals. Complaints regarding professional misconduct can be addressed under Clause 8.2 of the Indian Medical Council (Professional Conduct, Etiquette and Ethics) Regulations, 2002.
Who Is Qualified to Perform Hair Transplant Procedures?
As per NMC’s 2022 clarification, hair transplantation should preferably be performed by medical specialists with formal surgical training such as MCh/DNB Plastic Surgery or MD/DNB Dermatology. These specialties include hair transplantation in their core curriculum and provide adequate surgical grooming.
Training Requirements for Aesthetic Surgeries
For aesthetic procedures, the Commission stated that only Registered Medical Practitioners (RMPs) adequately trained as per their specialty curriculum should undertake such treatments. NMC emphasized that curriculum guidelines of each medical specialty must determine who is equipped to perform aesthetic or hair transplant procedures.
NMC Stresses Need for Skill, Training and Proper Infrastructure
The guidelines further highlight that aesthetic procedures, including hair transplants, may have complications and require skills in patient selection, differential diagnosis, surgical techniques, and post-procedure care. Practitioners must ensure they have the necessary infrastructure and manpower to manage any complications.
Aesthetic and Hair Transplant Procedures Not Emergency Surgeries
To prevent misuse, the Commission clearly stated that aesthetic procedures are elective and not emergency surgeries. Therefore, there is no justification for allowing untrained individuals to perform these procedures under claims of “exceptional circumstances.”
