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Dominican Health Ministry Urges Patients to Verify Clinics Before Cosmetic Surgery
The Dominican Republic's Ministry of Public Health is urging residents to confirm that clinics and medical professionals are properly licensed before undergoing cosmetic procedures, following the death of a 27-year-old woman after an unauthorized liposuction procedure.The Dominican Republic's Ministry of Public Health is urging residents to confirm that clinics and medical professionals are properly licensed before undergoing cosmetic procedures, following the death of a 27-year-old woman after an unauthorized liposuction procedure.
SANTO DOMINGO — The Ministry of Public Health, through its Directorate for the Licensing and Accreditation of Healthcare Facilities, has formally urged the public to verify that clinics and medical professionals are legally authorized before undergoing plastic or cosmetic surgery.
The recommendation was issued by Health Minister Dr. Víctor Atallah following the death of Rebeca Brizard, a 27-year-old woman who died after undergoing a liposuction procedure at a private clinic in Santo Domingo Oeste. Authorities said the procedure was allegedly performed by a barber who did not hold a medical degree.
Authorities Call for Verification Before Surgery
Atallah encouraged prospective patients to consult the Ministry of Public Health’s online registry to confirm whether a clinic is licensed to perform cosmetic procedures. He said verifying the legal status of healthcare facilities can help prevent tragedies similar to the recent case.
The minister also reiterated that plastic and aesthetic procedures should only be performed in authorized medical centers by certified healthcare professionals with the appropriate qualifications.
Clinic Closed Following Investigation
The incident occurred at the Clínica Obesidad y Anti-Envejecimiento Doctora Griselda Basora, which, according to the Ministry of Public Health, did not hold the required operating authorization to perform such procedures.
Health authorities closed the facility after the incident. The case has renewed attention on the importance of verifying the credentials of both medical providers and healthcare facilities before undergoing elective cosmetic surgery in the Dominican Republic.
