Health Ministry Warns Legal Action Against Unlicensed Healthcare Providers
The Ministry of Health has issued a stern warning, announcing legal action against unregistered and unlicensed healthcare service providers in the country.
In a statement released yesterday, the Ministry emphasised that all healthcare services must be registered in accordance with the Healthcare Service Centre Registration Regulations. Providers are also required to hold an operating license to legally offer their services.
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#UnregisteredHealthServices pic.twitter.com/YU2N4ZykqH— Ministry of Health (@MoHmv) September 11, 2024
Despite these regulations, the Ministry acknowledged the growing concern of alternative medical services being offered without proper registration. Legal action will be taken against such establishments, the Ministry stated.
“Providing any kind of healthcare service in the Maldives without registration and licensing is an offence under Article 20 of the Health Services Act. The Ministry will pursue legal measures against individuals and establishments in violation of this law,” the statement read.
Faxy’s Hijama Therapy Ordered to Halt Services Due to Lack of License
This warning comes amidst an ongoing investigation into a prominent figure in alternative medicine, Fazeela Usman, who is known for offering cupping therapy (hijama) services. Fazeela’s centre, ‘Faxy’s Hijama Therapy,’ has been operating without a valid registration and has been given a deadline by the Ministry to fulfil all necessary regulatory requirements.
The Ministry has ordered the immediate cessation of cupping services at ‘Faxy’s Hijama Therapy’ until the centre is properly registered and an operating license is issued. In a recent meeting with Fazeela, the Ministry addressed complaints it had received and reiterated that the facility must halt its services until it complies with the law.
Additionally, the Ministry directed the removal of all advertisements for medical services under ‘Faxy’s Hijama Therapy’ posted on social media. These promotions were deemed illegal without the proper permit from the Ministry. The Ministry also warned that any medical records publicised by the centre must be taken down, as patient information can only be shared with explicit consent, and the validity of the posted reports could not be confirmed.
The Ministry further highlighted that this is not the first time Fazeela has been warned. In 2019, she was instructed to cease providing cupping services until she obtained the necessary registration and licensing.
The Health Ministry reaffirmed that it would take legal action against any facility, including those offering alternative medicine, that operates without adhering to registration and licensing regulations.
