Anambra Government Warns Beauty and Wellness Centers Against Performing Medical Procedures
Anambra government has warned beauty and wellness centers to stop illegal medical procedures immediately.
Officials say unlicensed services like IV drips and dental work risk lives and break state laws.
The Anambra State Government has issued a strong warning to operators of beauty salons, spas, cosmetology clinics, and wellness centers across the state, urging them to immediately cease handling health-related or medical procedures or risk facing severe legal consequences.
This stern directive was contained in a statement released by the Anambra State Ministry of Health and signed by the Honorable Commissioner for Health, Dr. Afam Obidike. Titled “Illegal Practice of Health-related Services, Including Dental Procedures by Non-Medical Establishments”, the release emphasized that several facilities have been found to be offering unauthorized medical services, thereby posing serious health risks to the public.
According to Dr. Obidike, the move is in line with the enforcement of the Anambra State Health Facilities Accreditation and Monitoring Agency (ASHEFAMA) Law of 2023. The law was designed to regulate, accredit, and monitor all health-related activities within the state while ensuring quality assurance and public safety.
The Health Commissioner stated, “The Ministry of Health under the proactive leadership of His Excellency, Prof. Charles Chukwuma Soludo, has observed with deep concern that a growing number of beauty salons, wellness centers, and cosmetology clinics are engaging in medical and dental practices for which they are not licensed or certified.”
Some of the unauthorized procedures being carried out include teeth whitening, dental scaling, application of veneers, installation of braces, and other dental services. In addition, facilities have been found administering intravenous (IV) drips marketed for skin lightening, energy enhancement, or beauty therapy, as well as offering laser treatments, body contouring using invasive technologies, and even injecting substances for cosmetic results.
“These practices,” the release noted, “are often conducted without medical oversight, proper registration, or any form of government-approved certification. This endangers the health of clients and opens them up to numerous medical complications such as infections, adverse drug reactions, and exposure to harmful or unregulated substances.”
The Ministry warned that these acts violate the ASHEFAMA Law, which clearly empowers the government to regulate all medical-related practices, whether conducted in public, private, or faith-based facilities. The law aims to ensure that only qualified professionals offer health services in Anambra and to rid the sector of quackery and illegal medical activities.
The release further outlined the penalties for non-compliance. Defaulters risk having their facilities immediately sealed and shut down. Equipment and products used for the illegal procedures will be confiscated. The names of offending centers will be publicly blacklisted, and operators may face prosecution under both ASHEFAMA and other public health laws.
To encourage public participation in curbing these dangerous practices, the Ministry urged residents to report any suspected illegal health services being offered by beauty or wellness establishments. Members of the public can contact the Ministry through dedicated lines:
- Emergency line: 08057555442
- Regulatory complaints: 09135169905
- Anonymous whistleblower line: 07013197263
The state government reaffirmed its commitment to safeguarding public health and urged all stakeholders to comply with existing laws and guidelines.
