Al-Awadi: Amendment of conditions and regulations for cosmetic procedures
Minister of Health Dr. Ahmed Al-Awadi issued a ministerial decision regarding the amendment of the requirements and controls that must be met to perform cosmetic surgeries and interventions in both the public and private sectors. The Ministry of Health stated in a press release that the decision establishes a comprehensive regulatory framework for practicing cosmetic surgeries and interventions by defining the medical specialties authorized to perform them, the qualification levels and experience required for physicians, and the scope of procedures permitted for each specialty, thereby ensuring that these procedures are carried out within the bounds of specialization and professional competence.
The ministry clarified that the decision regulated the use of lasers by nursing staff, requiring licensed and accredited training, and stipulated that such procedures be conducted under the supervision of a specialist physician, with the physician examining the patient before each session, calibrating the device’s standards, and documenting the assessment and informed consent.
It added that the decision adopted updated lists of cosmetic surgeries and interventions across the specialties of plastic surgery, dermatology, ophthalmology, otolaryngology (ENT), general surgery, obstetrics and gynecology, oral and maxillofacial surgery, and vascular surgery, while imposing additional requirements for certain advanced procedures, including specialized qualifications, practical experience, and accredited training fellowships, depending on the nature of the procedure.
The ministry explained that the decision mandated psychological assessments prior to cosmetic surgeries for cases exhibiting symptoms or psychological disorders, based on an accredited psychiatric report evaluating the patient’s stability, decision-making capacity, and suitability for the intervention.
Furthermore, the decision outlined mechanisms for managing complications arising from cosmetic surgeries in both the public and private sectors, as well as the responsibilities for follow-up, treatment, documentation, and reporting, in accordance with prevailing systems and regulations, thereby enhancing the clarity of professional responsibilities and ensuring continuity of patient care.
