Debated in Parliament on 4 Oct 2023.
Ms Joan Pereira asked the Minister for Health (a) how does the Ministry ensure that doctors are adequately trained to administer aesthetic procedures safely; and (b) whether it will review the qualification framework for doctors providing such a service.
The Singapore Medical Council (SMC) developed the Guidelines on Aesthetic Practices for Doctors (Aesthetic Guidelines) in 2008 and updated them in 2016. The guidelines regulate aesthetic practice by stipulating the types of aesthetic procedures that doctors are permitted to perform and the required competencies and qualifications to perform these procedures. These requirements are advised by the Aesthetic Practice Oversight Committee appointed by the SMC.
In addition, all doctors are expected to abide by the SMC Ethical Code and Ethical Guidelines (ECEG), such as by practising within their own competence. The Ministry reviews the compliance of doctors to the Aesthetic Guidelines and ECEG during the audits of licensed healthcare institutions.
The Ministry and SMC work together to periodically review the Aesthetic Guidelines, with the next review scheduled to complete in 2024.
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