OPINION: Improvement a life or death issue

The quest to improve physical health and aesthetic appearance often leads people into alleys with no exit

The legal gaps and the lack of supervision by the authorities have made it easier to offer products, treatments and even surgeries, without being adequately certified. The number of patients in public hospitals that have required care as a result of malpractice by people

not suitable has been increasing. To this is added the misfortune of those who have had surgery abroad, suffer

complications on their return to the country and are not adequately cared for by local clinics, leaving inescapable

sequals for  patients and family members. It is urgent that the legal gaps in the matter be rectified and that the Ministry of Health vigorously exercise its supervisory power to deal with scams and abuse which an unscrupulous market is capable of offering. Enough of becoming easy bait for doubtful professionals. Decisions on health issues should be made after a detailed evaluation of the risks. It can mean the difference between life and death. La Prensa, Oct. 8