MEDICAL TREATMENT BY BEAUTICIANS (Measures to stop)

Mr Loh Meng See asked the Minister for Health whether more stringent measures will be taken by his Ministry to stop beauticians from giving medical treatment, including surgical procedures, to their customers.

The Senior Minister of State for Health (Dr Aline K Wong) (for the Minister for Health): Mr Speaker, Sir, the Ministry of Health is reviewing the relevant legislation with a view to increasing the penalty for beauticians giving medical treatment, including surgical procedures, to their customers. This includes raising the current maximum fine of $500 and the imposition of a custodial sentence.

Meanwhile, the Ministry will step up enforcement action on such unlawful medical practices by beauticians. Members of the public with specific information on such illegal practices may provide the details to the Ministry for follow up action. The Ministry will also continue to educate and remind the public that they should seek the services of qualified medical practitioners for cosmetic surgery and other medical treatments.

Mr Loh Meng See (Kampong Glam GRC): Sir, while the Ministry is reviewing the legislation for beauticians, maybe they should also consider those slimming centres if there are any instances whereby they should be looked into.

Dr Aline Wong: Sir, in reviewing the legislation we would certainly take that into consideration.