Tunisian Aesthetic Doctors Urge New Law Against Illegal Practices, Boost Medical Tourism

Tunisian aesthetic doctors are demanding new legislation to curb illegal practices in their sector and enhance the country's standing in medical tourism. Representatives from the Tunisian Union of Aesthetic Doctors (SYTMES) voiced these concerns during a parliamentary hearing.

The union stressed that the absence of a specific legal framework for aesthetic medicine creates risks for patient safety and damages the healthcare system's reputation. They advocate for a new law to regulate the sector, ensuring greater trust and contributing to Tunisia's goal of becoming a global hub for aesthetic medicine.

Key proposals include establishing robust control and monitoring structures, tightening regulations on the import and distribution of medical equipment, and enforcing harsher financial penalties for violations. The doctors also called for a "national digital and health security authority" to monitor illegal online medical advertising and proposed a fund for imposing fines on offenders, with revenues supporting social security and public health facilities.

Furthermore, SYTMES requested a reduction in the value-added tax on aesthetic medicine services and imported medical products to align them fiscally with other medical fields. Parliamentarians present at the hearing agreed on the urgency of creating an appropriate legislative framework, emphasizing collaboration among all stakeholders and the Ministry of Health's oversight role.

Suggestions also included empowering the National Authority for Food Safety Security to handle infractions and periodically publishing a list of legally operating aesthetic medicine clinics. These measures aim to protect citizens from fraud and deceptive practices while promoting legitimate businesses.