Authorities in Tamil Nadu have issued a public notice requiring that only registered medical practitioners with recognized qualifications are allowed to perform aesthetic procedures, including hair transplant surgeries. This move follows guidelines from the National Medical Commission (NMC) aimed at controlling and regulating skin and hair aesthetic treatments, in response to rising cases of complications and fatalities caused by unqualified practitioners and unregistered clinics.
According to the Tamil Nadu Medical Council, these procedures must be carried out in clinics licensed under the Tamil Nadu Clinical Establishments Act and in compliance with all related legal, ethical, and patient safety standards. Clinics are also expected to obtain informed consent from patients and maintain proper medical records. The council stresses that only doctors who have relevant medical training and are fully registered should conduct such operations. Regular inspections will be carried out by state health authorities and other regulators to ensure compliance and prevent unethical practices.
The council warns that anyone who conducts hair transplantation or similar procedures without the necessary medical qualifications will be regarded as engaging in unethical medical practice. Strict legal action will be taken against both the individuals and the establishments involved. This is intended to protect patient health and safety throughout the state.
The National Medical Commission further clarified that only practitioners of modern medicine with specialist training, such as MCh/DNB Plastic Surgery or MD/DNB Dermatology, should conduct hair transplantation surgeries. Procedures involving skin incisions or tissue removal, including robotic methods, are considered surgical and must be handled by accredited health professionals. The guidelines specify that registered doctors should not train unaccredited individuals to assist in or perform such surgeries.
Concerns about unsafe practices in salons and unregistered centers have reached the courts, prompting calls for national protocols. The Delhi High Court highlighted the risks of surgeries conducted by unqualified hands and instructed health authorities to address the proliferation of such centers. The Tamil Nadu Medical Council’s notice aims to raise public awareness and guide professionals to follow proper standards, seeking to ensure patient safety and maintain ethical standards in the field of aesthetic medicine.
