Government Cracks Down on Illegal Aesthetic Clinics and Beauty Spas in Major Cities
Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) – Clinics without SOPs must develop and implement them within 60 days to enhance patient safety.
The Ministry of Health has released a comprehensive report on the state of aesthetic clinics and beauty spas in major cities, revealing serious concerns about licensing, safety, and compliance in the sector. Photo/Daily Nation.
The Ministry of Health has released a comprehensive report on the state of aesthetic clinics and beauty spas in major cities, revealing serious concerns about licensing, safety, and compliance in the sector.
The assessment, conducted through the State Department for Public Health and Professional Standards in collaboration with various health regulatory agencies, covered Nairobi, Mombasa, Nakuru, and Eldoret.
The investigation was initiated after the tragic death of a patient at Omnicare Medical Limited, prompting authorities to review compliance with licensing and operational safety standards.
Key Findings
According to the Ministry’s report, 26 aesthetic clinics were assessed, with 77% found to be compliant with regulations.
Three facilities were in the process of obtaining registration, while another three were operating illegally without registration.
Additionally, 102 beauty spas were inspected, with seven identified for offering invasive procedures such as micro-blading and micro-needling without proper registration or qualified personnel.
Alarmingly, 40% of assessed facilities lacked essential emergency medical supplies, and 25% exhibited poor infection prevention and control measures.
Omnicare Medical Limited, the facility that triggered the investigation, was not assessed as it remains closed pending legal proceedings.
Government Directives and Measures
In response to these findings, the Ministry of Health has issued several directives aimed at tightening regulations and ensuring compliance:
Immediate Closure of Illegal Clinics
The Kenya Medical Practitioners and Dentists Council (KMPDC) has been directed to shut down all unregistered aesthetic clinics operating illegally.
Infection Prevention and Control Compliance – Facilities found to have inadequate infection prevention measures must comply with health standards within 30 days.
Emergency Medical Provisions – Clinics and spas lacking emergency medical supplies must establish and equip emergency trays within 60 days.
Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) – Clinics without SOPs must develop and implement them within 60 days to enhance patient safety.
Ban on Unauthorized Invasive Procedures – Beauty and medical spas are prohibited from offering or advertising invasive medical procedures unless properly inspected, registered, and licensed.
Regulatory Framework Development – The government is working on a comprehensive policy to strengthen oversight of cosmetic procedures, ensuring public protection and compliance.
Public Advisory
The Ministry of Health has urged Kenyans to seek aesthetic and plastic surgery services only from licensed and qualified practitioners to safeguard their well-being.
Additionally, the Ministry reiterated its commitment to enhancing patient safety and enforcing stringent regulations to uphold high healthcare standards.
This latest crackdown marks a significant step in improving oversight within the cosmetic industry, with authorities vowing to continue monitoring compliance and taking legal action against violators.
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