18 illegal aesthetic centres sealed

The Sindh Healthcare Commission (SHCC) has stepped up its crackdown on unregistered and illegal aesthetic clinics operating in the metropolis, sealing at least 18 facilities over the past month in different neighbourhoods, including Clifton, DHA, Saddar, Ittehad Town, and Ranchore Line.

In most cases, the clinics were operating without qualified medical professionals, with procedures being administered by untrained staff, including a sociology graduate running a clinic in DHA. SHCC officials reported widespread violations such as unhygienic conditions, improper disposal of medical waste, and the use of unverified techniques, including skin-whitening drips and anti-aging treatments.

"We have inspected more than 80 suspect clinics so far, and the crackdown will continue until such illegal practices are rooted out," Ahmer Abbas Saldera, Assistant Director of SHCC's Anti-Quackery Wing, told The Express Tribune.

In a recent raid, SHCC sealed a clinic in DHA Phase II despite efforts by the owner to intervene via phone calls. Video footage of the raid, along with disturbing visuals of unsanitary conditions at other clinics, has been shared with the media, revealing the grave risks posed by these clinics.

SHCC Chief Executive Officer Dr Ahson Qavi Siddiqi urged the public to avoid unverified aesthetic centres and stressed that all procedures, including skin therapies, injectables, facials, and beauty drips, must be administered only under the supervision of Pakistan Medical and Dental Council (PMDC)-certified dermatologists.

"There is currently no PMDC-recognised qualification in aesthetics in Pakistan. Many so-called 'aesthetic experts' are either physiotherapy graduates or those without any formal medical background. Their operations, often marketed on social media and morning TV shows, are misleading and medically unsound," he said. Dr Siddiqi added that some clinics prominently display large promotional billboards featuring fake designations and celebrity endorsements. He warned that such practices not only violate the law but also endanger the lives and well-being of unsuspecting clients.

The SHCC is now in the process of drafting technical guidelines to regulate the aesthetics sector, with an aim to allow only certified, evidence-based practices.

CEO Siddiqi also expressed concern over the role of mainstream media, particularly morning shows, where unqualified people are frequently introduced as "doctors" dispensing beauty advice and medical tips without proper credentials.

He pointed out that, due to a legal grey area, SHCC is currently unable to inspect salons offering aesthetic services unless a formal complaint is received. He called for comprehensive legislation to bring such services under regulatory oversight.

Among the procedures being offered at these clinics are PRP (Platelet Rich Plasma) therapy, Botox and dermal fillers, LED light therapy, micro-needling, chemical peels, and laser treatments - all of which require trained medical oversight. Without proper regulation, these services can lead to serious health complications.