Botox by sales rep sparks ‘shutdown’

KUWAIT CITY, June 30: Minister of Health Dr. Ahmad Al-Awadhi issued ministerial decrees on Monday ordering the closure of seven private healthcare facilities and referring a medical center to the Medical Liability Authority after serious violations of health regulations were discovered during a joint inspection campaign, reports Al-Seyassah daily. In a press statement, the Ministry of Health explained that the decrees included a medical center, a clinic, physiotherapy centers, and home healthcare service companies.

One of the closed facilities was a medical center in Salmiya that was referred to the Medical Liability Authority for investigation into the violations found at the center. The closures were based on the findings of a joint inspection campaign involving the Health Licensing Department, the Drug Inspection Department at the Ministry of Health, the Public Authority for Manpower (PAM), and the General Department of Criminal Investigation.

This cooperation is part of integrated efforts among relevant government agencies to ensure compliance with regulations. The inspection committee identified several violations at the center, most notably the practice of healthcare professions by individuals without the required licenses.

A worker was found holding a civil ID card indicating he was a sales representative, while he was treating patients, providing medical consultations, and administering Botox and filler injections. A registered receptionist was found performing pre-treatment procedures. Pharmaceutical violations were also discovered, including syringes and materials used in therapeutic and cosmetic procedures, as well as the possession of medications without authorization. The ministry confirmed that inspection campaigns will continue in various facilities to ensure that all healthcare providers adhere to legal and professional requirements, thereby protecting patients’ rights, improving the quality of healthcare, and enhancing trust in the private healthcare sector.