National Medical Commission Addresses Concerns on Aesthetic Dermatology and Laser Treatments
Response to Parliamentary Inquiries
New Delhi: The National Medical Commission (NMC) has reported that it has not received any complaints regarding unqualified or unregistered individuals performing aesthetic dermatology and laser treatments throughout the country. This information was shared by Smt Anupriya Patel, the Union Minister of State for Health, during a recent session in the Rajya Sabha.
Minister Patel’s response came in reply to questions posed by Parliament member Shri Vivek K Tankha. Tankha inquired whether unqualified practitioners are conducting these treatments, if such unregulated practices have led to patient harm or fatalities, and whether current legal frameworks are adequate. He also sought information about government plans for a central law or a dedicated regulatory body for oversight and measures to ensure patient safety and ethical practices.
Guidelines to Ensure Patient Safety
In her response, Minister Patel highlighted that the NMC issued Guidelines on Aesthetic Surgery and Hair Transplant Procedures on September 20, 2022, aimed at ensuring patient safety and maintaining ethical medical practices. “As informed by NMC, no such complaint has been received so far,” she stated.
Moreover, the Ethics and Medical Registration Board (EMRB) of the NMC oversees professional conduct and promotes medical ethics among healthcare professionals. Minister Patel further noted that Clause 8.2 of the Indian Medical Council (Professional Conduct, Etiquette, and Ethics) Regulations, 2002, provides a framework for addressing complaints related to professional misconduct.
Clarifications on Qualifications for Hair Transplantation and Aesthetic Surgery
Previously, Medic Helpline reported that the NMC clarified the qualifications necessary for medical professionals to perform hair transplantation and aesthetic surgeries in its notice dated September 20, 2022.
Regarding hair transplantation, the NMC specified that procedures should preferably be conducted by those with formal surgical training, such as MCh/DNB in Plastic Surgery or MD/DNB in Dermatology, with sufficient expertise in dermatological surgical procedures. It was emphasized that these specialties include hair transplantation as a core topic in their curriculum.
For aesthetic surgeries, the Commission stated that such procedures should be performed only by registered medical practitioners (RMPs) who possess adequate training aligned with their curriculum. The NMC indicated that the curriculum of various specialties should serve as a guiding principle for RMPs undertaking any procedures, including aesthetic and hair transplant operations.
Importance of Training and Infrastructure
The Apex Medical Commission’s guidelines underscored that aesthetic procedures, including hair transplants, like any surgical procedure, come with inherent risks and necessitate skills in patient selection, differential diagnoses, surgical techniques, and post-procedure care to optimize outcomes. The Commission advised that anyone wishing to perform these procedures must be well-trained and knowledgeable, ensuring they have the necessary infrastructure and personnel to manage potential complications.
Additionally, the NMC clarified that aesthetic procedures, including hair transplants, are not classified as emergency surgeries. Consequently, there is no justification for permitting untrained individuals to perform these procedures under “exceptional circumstances.”
Conclusion
The NMC’s guidelines and Minister Patel’s statements reflect ongoing efforts to regulate aesthetic dermatology and laser treatments in India, prioritizing patient safety and ethical medical practices in the sector.