The Ministry of Health has ordered Dr. Nith Beauty Center, a local beauty clinic chain, to suspend its medical services after an inspection found the Vientiane facility performing injections and other medical procedures without ministry authorization.
Ordered on 2 September, the suspension notice followed an inspection of the center in Vientiane Capital conducted with relevant authorities. Inspectors found that the facility was administering injections and introducing substances, including Botox, into customers’ bodies for cosmetic purposes without the required authorization.
The authorities ordered the center to stop providing medical services until it obtains official approval.
The action follows a wider directive issued by the Ministry of Health on 29 May covering private medical and dental clinics, plastic surgery centers, beauty centers and stem cell facilities.
The directive, which was made public on 17 August, requires unlicensed facilities to obtain official permits by 30 November. Until they receive authorization, the facilities must stop medical examinations, dental work and surgical procedures.
The directive also prohibits procedures including injections, administering substances into the body, liposuction, cosmetic surgery, acupuncture, piercing, suction, scraping, rubbing, massage, body treatments and stem cell procedures while facilities await approval.
The Response
Dr. Nith Beauty Center has seven branches across six provinces, including Vientiane Capital, two branches in Bokeo, Champasak, Luang Prabang, Oudomxay and Xieng Khouang. The business employs around 40 people, according to owner Vilayphone “Nith” Phanthavong.
In a Facebook video posted on 10 September, Vilayphone said all seven branches remain open for non-medical services while the business seeks the required permits.
She said she had tried to obtain a license since opening the business several years ago, but there was previously no specific licensing category for beauty centers. She said the May directive created a process for such businesses to apply for official permits and that her application remains ongoing.
The authorities have not issued further comment on the case.
The May directive forms part of a broader effort by the Ministry of Health to bring private healthcare and beauty businesses under the country’s licensing and professional standards.
All affected facilities must complete the registration and licensing process by 30 November.
