BEAUTY SALONS

Dr Kanwaljit Soin asked the Minister for Health (a) what penalties were meted out to the beauty salons concerned for the 10 complaints of complications pertaining to the use of lasers by these salons between 1992 and 1994 and (b) whether the penalty is a sufficient deterrent and, if not, what further plan he has.

BG George Yong-Boon Yeo: Preliminary investigations by the Ministry of Health into the 10 complaints of complications pertaining to the alleged use of lasers did not reveal any unauthorised use of lasers by beauticians. Nevertheless, the Ministry is presently working with the Police on the reported cases to establish whether there has been any contravention of the law.

The penalty for any person convicted of contravention of Regulation 43 of the Radiation Protection Act 1991, for unauthorised possession of high powered laser, is a fine not exceeding $2,000 or imprisonment for a term not exceeding 6 months or both.

Under the Medical Registration Act (1985) the penalty for any unqualified persons engaging in practices that come within the practice of medicine is a fine of $500. The Ministry is reviewing the penalties.