The Lagos State Government has announced plans to collaborate with certified dermatologists to regulate aesthetic medicine and clamp down on the activities of unqualified skincare practitioners.
The state’s Commissioner for Health, Professor Akin Abayomi, disclosed this during the 19th Annual General Meeting and Scientific Conference of the Nigerian Association of Dermatologists (NAD), held in Lagos.
The three-day conference was themed “Dermatology and Global Health, Bridging the Gap.”
Abayomi explained that aesthetic medicine involves non-surgical procedures to improve skin, hair, and body appearance, addressing issues such as acne scars, ageing, pigmentation, and hair loss.
“We all know there is an explosion in aesthetic dermatology around the world, and it is not peculiar to Lagos,” he said.
“As a government, we are very concerned about this trend of unqualified people masquerading as experts in skincare.”
He noted that such individuals offer potentially harmful treatments, prompting the Health Facility Monitoring and Accreditation Agency (HEFAMAA), the regulatory arm of the ministry, to investigate the situation.
“We want to work with NAD to define the limitations of these quacks and place them under close scrutiny to ensure the safety of our residents,” Abayomi added.
In his keynote address, Dr Ifedayo Adetifa, former Director-General of the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control, raised concern over the marginalisation of skin health in global health discussions, stressing its relevance to pandemic preparedness and response.
Also speaking, Professor Dasetima Altraide, President of NAD, warned against the growing influence of unlicensed practitioners in aesthetic dermatology and urged stronger collaboration with government and professional bodies to tackle the menace.
“We must intensify our collaboration with government bodies, regulatory agencies, and the Nigerian Medical Association to eliminate quack practices and protect the health of Nigerians,” Altraide said.
He also called for the elevation of skin health as a global health priority.
Professor Akin Osibogun, a public health expert and chairman of the event, encouraged NAD to expand public awareness campaigns on skin health across the country and urged dermatologists to engage fully in the conference to stay updated.
Dr Ayesha Akinkugbe, chairperson of the organising committee, said the conference was designed to foster dialogue, share knowledge, and promote global partnerships that advance the practice of dermatology.
(NAN)