REGULATING INVASIVE PROCEDURES IN BEAUTY SALONS

Dr Kanwaljit Soin asked the Minister for Health if his Ministry will regulate the use of invasive procedures, such as tattooing and injection of foreign materials, in beauty salons.

BG George Yong-Boon Yeo: Ministry of Health does not intend to regulate tattooing and other beauty treatment as these are not considered as medical practices.

However, invasive procedures such as the injection of foreign materials for cosmetic purposes are considered as medical practices, and are not allowed by beauticians under the Medical Registration Act.

The Private Hospitals and Medical Clinics Act (1980) which came into operation on 1st January 1993 requires that all medical clinics be licensed by the Ministry of Health. Beauty salons cannot provide medical care on their premises.

Ministry of Health is working with the Police to investigate all complaints of complications following treatment by beauty salons. The Ministry of Health will take action against beauty salons found to contravene any of the above Acts.