Iloilo City eyes regulation of derma, wellness clinics

By Rjay Zuriaga Castor

Alarmed by the proliferation of unlicensed aesthetic and dermatology clinics, the Iloilo City Council is moving to strictly regulate cosmetic, medical and wellness establishments operating in the city.

City Councilor Alan Zaldivar, chair of the Committee on Health, Sanitation and Hospital Services, said licensed dermatologists and cosmetic surgeons raised concerns over the “mushrooming” of clinics offering cosmetic and aesthetic services without proper permits and licenses.

Zaldivar said some patients later seek corrective treatment from licensed doctors after undergoing unsafe or improperly administered procedures.

“They (legitimate medical professionals) are alarmed that there are derma clinics conducting procedures that do not follow the standard,” Zaldivar said.

“They asked us to pass an ordinance to regulate. There is a need to ensure that aesthetic and dermatology clinics are properly licensed and that the doctors are duly authorized. It is not allowed for nurses or unlicensed individuals to officiate IV drips and other invasive procedures,” he added.

The proposed ordinance, authored by Councilor Rudolph Jeffrey Ganzon, has passed committee deliberations, and the committee report was delivered Tuesday, March 3.

Ganzon said personal care services require regulation to protect public safety and welfare, including preventing the spread of communicable diseases, reducing contamination risks and safeguarding vulnerable populations.

“There is a need to establish guidelines for individuals and business establishments offering personal care services to ensure compliance with health and safety standards, thereby promoting public trust and safeguarding consumer rights,” Ganzon said.

Under the proposal, aesthetic and cosmetic clinics, medical clinics, salons, spas and wellness facilities in Iloilo City would be required to secure a business permit from the city government, a sanitary permit from the City Health Office and health certificates for all personnel.

Clinics performing invasive procedures would also be required to obtain a license to operate from the Food and Drug Administration, accreditation from the Department of Health and to designate a medical director who is a licensed physician with a relevant specialization.

Procedures cited as requiring FDA authorization include IV drips and infusion therapy, injectables such as Botox and fillers, the use of lasers and radiofrequency devices, microneedling, and the sale or distribution of skin care and slimming products.

The proposal states that cosmetic dermatology procedures should be performed only by licensed physicians who have completed formal residency training in dermatology or plastic surgery.

The measure also mandates compliance with Republic Act 2382, or the Medical Act of 1959, as amended, which states that only duly licensed physicians may perform medical and invasive aesthetic procedures.

Salons and spas that do not perform FDA-regulated procedures may be exempt from FDA licensing but would still be required to secure accreditation from the City Health Office, provided they do not use injectables, drugs or medical devices.

While invasive procedures would be limited to qualified specialists, the proposal allows noninvasive services, such as basic facials and superficial treatments, to be performed by trained personnel under the supervision of a licensed physician with the appropriate specialization.

The ordinance would also require makeup artists operating within cosmetic and wellness establishments to secure certification under city regulations.

Violators may face closure of establishments, confiscation of equipment, a fine of PHP 5,000 and possible prosecution under existing laws.

Zaldivar said the city’s enforcement is limited to imposing a PHP 5,000 fine and encouraged stakeholders to pursue cases under Republic Act 2382 to seek stricter penalties for violations.