VIENTIANE: The Ministry of Health has ordered unlicensed medical and beauty facilities across Laos to obtain official permits by 30 November, but the directive has raised questions over its delayed public release and how authorities will enforce the deadline.
The Ministry issued the directive on 29 May but did not publicise it until 17 August, nearly three months later.
The notice targets a broad range of unlicensed facilities, including medical and dental clinics, plastic surgery centres, beauty centres and stem cell facilities. It says many currently operate without valid medical practice licences, fail to meet technical standards or use misleading advertising that could endanger public health.
The directive cites the Law on Medical Treatment and covers procedures including surgery, injections, liposuction, piercing, acupuncture and stem cell treatments.
Operators already providing unlicensed services must submit documents to their provincial health department or the Vientiane Capital Health Department between 1 June and 30 November. New businesses must apply through district or provincial health offices and complete the required approval process before operating.
The directive has generally received a positive response from the public, with some commenters welcoming tighter regulation of the sector.
“What a great move! This regulation should have been implemented so long ago,” one commenter wrote.
But the notice leaves several questions about enforcement unanswered.
It does not specify penalties for operators that fail to obtain a licence by 30 November, such as fines, equipment confiscation, closure or criminal charges. It also does not explain what action authorities will take against clinics that continue operating without licences after the deadline.
The timing of the announcement has also drawn criticism.
“Why do you post this so late?” one commenter asked. Another wrote, “This should have been done a long time ago; it is extremely dangerous.”
The six-month registration period also raises questions about whether unlicensed clinics can continue offering higher-risk procedures while they seek approval. The directive does not say whether facilities performing surgery, injections or other potentially dangerous treatments must suspend those services during the registration period.
Nor does it clarify whether health authorities will conduct inspections while operators are applying for licences.
The Ministry also has not said whether it will publish a list of licensed facilities, which could help patients identify clinics that have met the required standards.
The directive marks a step towards tighter oversight of Laos’ growing medical and beauty sector, but clearer information on inspections, patient protection and enforcement could determine how effectively the new requirements are put into practice. - Laotian Times
