Khaberni - The media spokesperson for the Medical Association, Dr. Hazem Al-Qaraleh, revealed that medical practices by individuals impersonating doctors and newcomers in the profession are significantly concentrated in the field of aesthetics and cosmetic procedures, due to the increasing demand and ease of exploiting these for deceiving citizens.
Al-Qaraleh emphasized that the association continues to monitor medical practices precisely and methodically through specialized committees created for this purpose, whether through direct field monitoring or by studying the complaints received from citizens and related entities, according to Al-Ghad newspaper.
He mentioned that in recent years, a number of individuals practicing cosmetology without being licensed doctors were detected, and these violations were documented and official entities were contacted to take legal actions against them to protect citizens' safety and prevent the impersonation of the medical profession.
He added that the association also detected violations committed by some licensed doctors, involving conducting surgeries or cosmetic procedures without the necessary licenses or in violation of the approved medical designation, which necessitated referring a number of them to the disciplinary council.
Disciplinary decisions were issued against some violators, including the temporary prohibition of one doctor from practicing the profession, in addition to transferring three cases to the public prosecutor for legal steps to be taken.
Al-Qaraleh stressed the utmost importance the association places on regulating the profession and organizing its practices, as this has a direct impact on protecting the health of the citizens and maintaining the distinguished medical reputation that Jordan enjoys regionally and internationally.
He pointed out that the association, in cooperation with the Ministry of Health and relevant entities, prepared new legislation regulating non-surgical cosmetic procedures and specifying those authorized to practice them, providing a clear legal and professional framework, and anticipating its approval soon.
He affirmed that the association will not tolerate any breaches that affect the profession or endanger the health of citizens and will continue its regulatory and supervisory role firmly.
He added that these imposters practice medicine without a license or scientific knowledge, posing a significant risk to the health of the community and individuals, and often leading to complications that are difficult to manage.
He explained that the medical profession requires many years of study and training before a doctor is qualified to practice, while recently, individuals without knowledge or training have been practicing it illegally, which he described as "tampering with national health security."
Reasons for the Spread
Regarding the reasons for the spread of this phenomenon, Al-Qaraleh noted that most are economic, as these newcomers seek to make quick gains by promoting their ability to treat diseases or perform cosmetic operations, aiming for rapid wealth accumulation.
He confirmed that social media platforms have contributed to the spread of these newcomers, emphasizing the need to control these platforms and implement strict regulations to combat rumors and impersonators of the medical profession.
Regarding penalties, Al-Qaraleh clarified that practicing a health profession without a license is punishable by Jordanian law with a minimum of 6 months imprisonment, but he called for tougher penalties.
He considered that the current penalties do not match the risk these individuals pose to the health of the citizens and national health security, especially as incorrect practices lead to significant medical complications that burden the citizen and the state financially.
He saw that the responsibility for monitoring newcomers primarily lies with the Ministry of Health through its licensing, monitoring, and inspection department, although this department suffers from a lack of staff and is unable to control the large number of clinics spread across the Kingdom.
Al-Qaraleh called for the establishment of an independent institution similar to the Public Institution for Food and Drug, with a sufficient number of employees capable of periodic inspection and reaching all medical impostors.
Regarding the monitoring of social media sites, he explained that the implementation of the new cybercrimes law has helped reduce the practices of newcomers, but he emphasized the need for greater control, affirming the importance of increasing the number of employees and giving them the status of judicial police, to enable them to effectively prevent and deter these practices.
