Minister of Health Issues Two Decrees to Regulate Cosmetic Procedures and Interventions and the Veterinary Medicine Profession
Minister of Health Dr. Ahmed Al-Awadi issued two ministerial decisions: one to regulate and update the requirements and controls for performing cosmetic surgeries and interventions in the public and private sectors, and the other to form a joint committee to regulate the veterinary medicine profession, license facilities, and supervise veterinary products.
Ministerial Decision No. 232 of 2026 stipulates the modification of the requirements and controls necessary for performing cosmetic surgeries and interventions in the public and private sectors, and establishes a regulatory framework for their practice 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.
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The decision approved updated lists of cosmetic surgeries and interventions in the specialties of plastic surgery, dermatology, ophthalmology, otolaryngology (ENT), general surgery, obstetrics and gynecology, oral and maxillofacial surgery, and vascular surgery, with additional requirements for certain advanced procedures, including specialized training, practical experience, and accredited fellowship programs, depending on the nature of the procedure.
The decision included specific controls for liposuction procedures, requiring verification of the physician’s competence, patient assessment by an anesthesiologist, obtaining informed consent, defining criteria for the quantity of fat removed, and establishing observation or hospitalization requirements, alongside documenting clinical and procedural data in the medical file.
It also stipulated that liposuction shall not be considered a weight-loss procedure, and prohibited performing purely cosmetic surgeries for individuals with a Body Mass Index (BMI) exceeding 35.
Furthermore, the decision regulated the use of lasers by nursing staff, requiring licensing, accredited training, and performance under the supervision of a specialist physician, with the physician examining the patient before each session, adjusting device parameters, and documenting the assessment and informed consent.
It established requirements for psychological evaluation prior to cosmetic surgeries for cases exhibiting psychological symptoms or disorders, based on an accredited psychiatric report assessing the patient’s stability, decision-making capacity, and suitability for the intervention.
The decision defined mechanisms for handling complications arising from cosmetic surgeries in both the public and private sectors, as well as responsibilities for follow-up, treatment, documentation, and reporting in accordance with applicable systems and regulations.
In a separate decision, the Minister of Health formed a joint committee to regulate the veterinary medicine profession, license facilities, and supervise veterinary products, with the aim of unifying and developing regulatory and supervisory frameworks for the veterinary sector and enhancing coordination among relevant authorities.
The decision includes regulations for licensing veterinary facilities and practicing the profession, mechanisms for registering and trading veterinary medicines, vaccines, and products, as well as organizing inspection tours and monitoring violations to prevent duplication of procedures and enhance supervisory integration.
It also covers the regulation of advertising and promotion for veterinary products and services, supporting the protection of public health and animal health.
