The rapid proliferation of aesthetic and cosmetic clinics in Islamabad is putting public health, particularly women’s safety, at significant risk. Many of these facilities operate without licenses, proper registration with the Islamabad Healthcare Regulatory Authority (IHRA), or qualified medical personnel.
Under the Islamabad Healthcare Regulation (IHR) Act, 2018, all healthcare establishments, including cosmetic centers, slimming clinics, hair transplant facilities, and domiciliary care services, must obtain a valid license to operate legally.
Unlicensed Clinics Flourish Despite Legal Requirements
A recent survey revealed that numerous clinics in commercial hubs, especially I-8 Markaz, offer cosmetic procedures such as Botox, fillers, laser treatments, and skin resurfacing without following mandatory licensing, safety protocols, or specialist supervision.
Sources indicate that many of these clinics are owned by investors with no medical background, hiring untrained female staff at low salaries to perform high-risk procedures. To evade liability, staff are reportedly forced to sign affidavits claiming responsibility for any mishaps.
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Health Risks and Victim Accounts
Several women reported suffering from infections, burns, and permanent scarring following botched procedures. Many victims remain unnamed due to privacy concerns, and others were unaware of how to file complaints, highlighting a critical gap in the reporting and regulatory framework.
Despite warnings from the Pakistan Medical and Dental Council, which prohibits general MBBS and BDS practitioners from performing aesthetic medicine without credentials, clinics circumvent regulations by hiring a single doctor for appearances while unqualified technicians carry out treatments.
Regulatory Gaps and IHRA Criticism
The IHRA, responsible for licensing and monitoring healthcare establishments, has faced criticism for sporadic enforcement. Legal provisions exist to fine or close unlicensed clinics, yet unregulated operations continue unchecked. Critics claim the authority is “shying away from its responsibilities”, allowing public health risks to persist.
Calls for Immediate Action
Public health experts and legal authorities are urging the IHRA to:
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Shut down all unregistered aesthetic clinics
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Impose strict penalties on owners who employ unqualified staff
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Ensure that only certified specialists perform high-risk procedures
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Launch public awareness campaigns educating citizens on the dangers of unregulated cosmetic services
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With cosmetic treatments gaining popularity in Islamabad, failure to regulate the sector could lead to rising health hazards and reputational damage for the industry.
Under the IHR Act 2018, healthcare establishments that fail to obtain a license may face fines of up to Rs. 1,000,000 or mandatory closure.
