Anti-quackery campaign against unsafe cosmetic procedures launched

Vadodara: Concerned about the growing number of unqualified practitioners offering cosmetic and dermatological procedures, the Gujarat state branch of the Indian Association of Dermatologists, Venereologists and Leprologists (IADVL) on Saturday launched an anti-quackery campaign and called for stricter regulation of aesthetic clinics.The campaign was announced at a meeting held at the Covid Command Centre of SSG Hospital in Vadodara.Dermatologists said they have observed a rising trend of individuals without specialized dermatology training treating skin ailments and performing procedures such as hair transplants, laser therapies and anti-ageing treatments.Experts say dermatologists undergo years of specialized training after completing their basic medical degree. Procedures such as hair transplantation, vitiligo surgery, acne scar treatment, platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy, botox injections and fillers should be carried out only by trained dermatologists or plastic surgeons in properly equipped medical facilities.Performing such procedures without adequate training can pose serious risks to patients, they warned.The association cited regulatory measures taken in Tamil Nadu, where the state govt issued an order under the Tamil Nadu Clinical Establishments Act in line with National Medical Commission guidelines to regulate aesthetic and hair transplant clinics.Members of the Gujarat branch also said they have approached the Gujarat Medical Council regarding three cosmetic clinics in Ahmedabad allegedly being run by unqualified practitioners and sought an explanation.Appealing for support from health authorities, dermatologists said curbing quackery is essential to ensure patient safety. They warned that irrational use of medicines such as steroids, antibiotics and antifungals without proper diagnosis can worsen skin conditions.They also advised patients not to blindly follow social media trends or influencer-driven treatments, stressing that skin diseases require proper diagnosis and individualised medical care. Patients concerned about consultation costs can seek treatment at govt hospitals and medical colleges, they added.