The president of the Association of Private Clinics (Andeclip) expressed his concern regarding operation of unauthorized plastic surgery business in the Dominican Republic. He estimated 50% of procedures are being performed by unqualified individuals in unregulated clinics, as reported in N Digital. N Digital has frequently denounced clinics operated by persons with questionable accreditations.
Mena echoes similar concerns raised by Dr. Aniceto Rodríguez, president of the Dominican Society of Plastic Surgery (Sodocipre).
“We do not condone any illegal medical practices,” Mena stated. “Clinics affiliated with Andeclip are committed to preventing illicit activities within their facilities.”
Andeclip, which represents 116 clinics, conducts regular audits to ensure that all medical personnel adhere to legal standards and are properly licensed. However, Mena said that the association has limited control over clinics operating outside of its regulatory framework.
Dr. Rodríguez of the Plastic Surgery Society has repeatedly sounded the alarm about the growing number of unqualified individuals performing plastic surgeries, putting patients’ health at risk. He has urged authorities to step up inspections of surgical facilities to ensure compliance with existing regulations.
Both Mena and Rodríguez have called on the Ministry of Public Health to intensify its oversight of the healthcare sector and take action against those who practice medicine without the necessary qualifications or permits.
The surge in unregulated plastic surgery procedures has raised serious concerns about patient safety and the quality of care provided in the Dominican Republic. As a result, both medical associations and patient advocacy groups are demanding stricter enforcement of existing laws and regulations.
Patients interested in plastic surgery services should check the website of the Dominican Society of Plastic Surgery (Sodocipre).
Read more in Spanish:
Dominican Society of Plastic Surgery
N Digital
9 January 2025